Evaluate the Character of Ralph as the Protagonist of the novel “Lord of the Flies.”
Lord of the Flies is a notable literary work by William Golding. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Lord of the Flies.
Answer
Evaluate the character of Ralph as the protagonist of the novel Lord of the Flies. [2020]
Or, Show the development of Ralph as the protagonist in the novel ‘Lord of the Flies’. [2018]
William Golding (1911–1993), in his “novel Lord of the Flies” (1954), presents Ralph as the central character and moral leader. He stands for civilization, democracy, and order in the face of chaos. From an innocent schoolboy to a responsible leader, and finally a broken survivor, Ralph’s character develops through struggle and suffering. His journey from joy to fear shows human change. Through Ralph, Golding shows how goodness fights against evil inside man.
Symbol of Order and Civilization: Ralph becomes the first elected leader among the boys. He believes in rules, teamwork, and rescue. He says,
“We’ve got to have rules and obey them.”
The conch becomes his symbol of authority and unity. Ralph represents the human need for structure and law. He wants to build shelters and keep the signal fire alive. Golding makes Ralph the voice of civilization. He tries to strike a balance between freedom and responsibility. His leadership shows the positive side of human nature that values peace and cooperation.
Ralph’s Leadership Qualities: Ralph is calm, fair, and democratic. He listens to others and respects their opinions. He believes leadership means service, not domination. Unlike Jack, Ralph never uses fear or violence to control. He says,
“The fire is the most important thing on the island.”
His care for rescue shows his practical mind and moral strength. Even when the others lose hope, Ralph continues to work for order. Golding shows that true leadership is based on reason, patience, and compassion—not power or cruelty.
Conflict with Jack: The main conflict in the novel is between Ralph and Jack. Ralph stands for civilization, while Jack represents savagery and lust for power. Their rivalry begins when Jack says,
“Bollocks to the rules!”