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Comparing Jack And Ralph In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

Decent Essays

In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the two main characters shine through the novel, Jack and Ralph. I chose these characters because they are easily contrastable, but also have a few similarities. They also have striking strengths and weaknesses in their character. Likewise, Jack and Ralph both have leadership qualities. They are also some of the most “real” characters in the novel in my opinion. However, Jack is very selfish, while Ralph cares for the survival of all on the island. To begin, both of them have strengths and weaknesses. As for Ralph’s strengths, he has great leadership qualities as shown on page 12, “”We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting, they’ll come when they hear us-”” (pg. 12). After learning the …show more content…

Jack is very arrogant, and is used to being in charge. This is seen on page 19, “”I ought to be cheif,” said Jack with simple arrogance, “because I’m chapter chorsiter and head boy. I can sing C sharp.”” (Pg. 19). Jack is very entitled and expects to be the chief, even though his qualifications weren’t exactly fitting for this kind of leadership. Also, Jack is very selfish, this is seen on page 199, “The cheif led them, trotting steadily, exulting in his achievement. He was a chief now in truth; and he made stabbing motions wth his spear. From his left hand dangled Piggy’s broken glasses.” (pg. 199). Jack had no regard for the fact that Piggy can’t see without his glasses, and he only cared about getting fire for himself and those who follow him. He could of just asked the other tribe for some of their fire, but instead he stole something essential to Piggy for his own, personal, selfish gain. Next, Jack does have some strengths to his character. Earlier on in the book he has common sense, and knows when to respect the common votes of the other boys on the island. This is seen on page 20, “Even the choir appaulded; and the freckles on Jack’s face disappeared under a blush of mortifcation. He started up, then changed his mind and sat down again while the air rang.”” (pg. 20). Also, Jack knew how to perseude the boys to join him. This is seen on page 164, “”Listen all of you. Me and my hunters, we’re living along the beach by a flat rock. We hunt and feast and have fun.””

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