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Lord Of The Flies And Julius Caesar Comparison Analysis

Decent Essays

Abraham Lincoln once stated, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The meaning behind Lincoln’s quote is simply that any man can be resilient after a hardship, but the true identity of the man will seek forth once you grant him power. This quote correlates to the characters Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies, and Julius Caesar in the play Julius Caesar. This quote applies to Caesar and Merridew because both characters are put to the test when they are given power, but their positions of handling vary. Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies held his power in an antagonistic manner. He used his power to manipulate the minds of the other boys stuck on the island. These actions led Jack to his savagery in which provoked his downfall. Julius Caesar, on the other hand, held his power in a more stubborn way but definitely not less controlling. Caesar used his power in an abusive way because it was either his way or no way, and his actions led him to his death. Both Merridew and Caesar held their power in a selfish, governing way, they used their power to control and fear others, and lastly they both created a downfall for their selves due to their uncivilized state. Jack Merridew was selfish with his power as he approached it in a competitive manner. He began to disagree with the actions and opinions of Ralph which caused his eagerness to dictate seek forth. Jack challenges Ralph’s strength and bravery as he threatens to go up the mountain alone. For example, this rivalry was acknowledged when the novel stated, ‘”I’m going up the mountain.” The words came from Jack viciously, as though they were a curse. He looked at Ralph, his thin body tensed, his spear held as if he threatened him’ (Golding 119). This statement shows that Jack wanted to test the manly hood of Ralph, and he wanted to compete for whom was more brave. Ralph had recently climbed up the mountain alone, but now as light was starting to fade Jack wanted to prove he was the best leader because he would climb the mountain no matter what. In addition to Jack’s governing hold on the power he yearns for, Julius Caesar also handles his power in an egotistic way. Julius Caesar’s stubbornness was

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