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Corruption Of Power In Lord Of The Flies

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The corruption of power has been and will continue to be responsible for the deterioration and downfall of hundreds of societies. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding is the story of a young group of British boys that are piloting their way through a deserted island after being involved in a plane crash. Fighting to survive, the group of inexperienced boys create their own society in hope of developing a leader, order, and a civilization. After having bits of success, complications start to evolve. As Ralph, the chief of the group emerges, problems develop between him and a jealous, power hungry leader, Jack. As the two clash heads, the members on the island side with their desired leader, and they are left divided. The longer the boys are …show more content…

This does not only cause problems between the people that are at odds with one another, but also everyone around them. This can be explained when Jack arrogantly states in front of the group that “[he] ought be chief” (Golding 22). It is irrelevant that Jack believes he should be chief just because he is the chapter chorister. Although he has minimal experience as an actual leader, he still feels a sense of entitlement as to the leadership position on the island. Jack should treat everyone else equally and not put himself ahead of others. Likewise, the rivalry between the two is further exemplified when Jack chooses to hunt even though Ralph tells him to focus on other more important necessities such as the signal fire. It would have been more beneficial to the group if Jack would have tended the fire which could ultimately have gotten them rescued off the island. Due to Jack’s stubbornness, he does not listen to Ralph, he puts the whole group in jeopardy of not being saved. The rivalry is also very apparent when Jack distances himself from Ralph and the other members of the group. After being under Ralph's rule for so long, Jack feels like it is best for him to leave the group. However, in leaving he is only hurting the group in that they lost someone who could perform a variety of necessary tasks. Jack’s need for power led him to make poor decisions and take …show more content…

Once Jack becomes obsessed with his desire for power, he becomes uncivilized and immoral. This is conveyed when Jack brutally shouts to the littluns, it would “serve you right if something did get you” (83). Jack used his power in this situation to convince the littluns that they would be safe from the beast if they followed him. If Jack would have been less focused on power, and acted more as a true leader he would have comforted the young boys rather than screamed at them. In like manner, Jack uses his control to order the others to roll the boulder at Piggy. Jack could have invited Piggy into his shelter, but instead orders his death. Jack does this because of the rivalry that grew between the two of them. The rivalry caused Jack to do a corrupt act, all in the name of beating Piggy. If Jack could have gained control of this corruption, he would have realized that he could have used his power to save a life instead of taking one. Finally, Jack forces the group to divide at a time when they need to unite. Since Jack wanted to have power and not be under the rule of anyone else, he left the group and convinced others to side with him. Instead of staying and and assisting the group, he dissociates with them which consequently leads to even more of a haywire society. If Jack was able to gain control of his desire for power, and

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