Marxist Analysis On Class Conflict In Lord Of The Flies

Ralph represents order and discipline, while Jack represents an unhealthy drive for power and savagery. In the beginning of the novel, Ralph is voted the leader of the group and attempts to make life on the island disciplined and civilized, like their life in England. However, throughout the novel Jack rivals Ralph’s leadership role, attempting to overthrow him. As the boys’ savage impulses increase, more of them begin to side with Jack instead of going with Ralph. As Ralph loses his hold over the boys, almost all of them begin to act violently and barbaric. An example of this is when the children of the island murder Simon for no justifiable reason. Even Piggy and Ralph partake in the murder, showing that the violent human impulse is in

Ralph being the main character of the book and always trying to find a way to get them off the island is the main good guy, and Piggy can almost be looked at like his sidekick. While Ralph was elected leader in the story he admits, to himself, that Piggy is smarter than him. Whenever Ralph freezes or is at a loss for words Piggy is there to remind him what he needs to say. He is the only person that never betrays Ralph even at the cost of his own life isn’t trying to join Jack’s side. Ralph is the main character and protagonist of the story, but he does have flaws. From the very beginning he never had the leadership skills to get everyone to work hard as a group. It almost seemed that as the story went on he didn’t become a better leader, but a worse one. He would always lose his train of thought while speaking to the group, and couldn’t make them feel safe. They were all afraid of the beast. What makes him the hero of the story, is that he never gives up on being rescued. He also doesn’t become a savage like the other children do. His mind is always on the fact that they need to get off the island, even when the others

Both of the boys change a lot during their stay on the island. Ralph begins the novel as a leader and role model to the other boys. But eventually, the group gives in to savage instincts and Ralph's position

The power-hungry will often feel the need for absolute control, hardly ever getting what they desire, they will often be portrayed as crazy and vicious. The same can be said for Jack; all he wants is to be the leader and make the decisions, but Ralph is the one in control. Jack’s desire for power is ruining his own image, and the well being of the other boys. Without the supervision of adults his morals and values took a turn for the worst.

Both of the boys change a lot during their stay on the island. Ralph begins the novel as a leader and role model to the other boys. But eventually, the group gives in to savage instincts and Ralph's position

Ralph is the main protagonist in the story and he is the leader of the children on the island. Since Ralph was voted leader, he has the characteristics of leadership and he brings civilization and order to the story. Unlike the other boys, Jack and Simon, Ralph’s main focus is to get off the island instead of having fun. For example, Ralph tried constructing huts with Simon; meanwhile, the boys are playing and running off having fun. In the beginning of the story, Ralph’s power with the children was secure; however, towards the end, that power is being transferred to Jack. Ralph represents the

Society has order and rules. These rules are what tame the “beast” in all people. The rules confine us. Without them, we are capable of much evil. Golding uses Ralph to show this desire to be good. Ralph clings to anything symbolizing order, while Jack runs from it. When things start to go sour on the island, Ralph thinks aloud saying, “…the rules are the only thing we’ve got.” He longs for that “good” which he associates with civilization. Jack responds by saying, “bollocks to the rules!” He is enjoying the freedom from civilization and rules. His inner evil has taken over

Ralph- Ralph is the main protagonist in the Lord of the Flies. He becomes a chief when everyone who survived the plane crash voted for him. In addition and in my opinion, Ralph is a dynamic character because when Ralph first meets everyone he treats everyone with kindness and equality. However, towards the middle of the novel, discipline is injected into his behavior and attitudes. Overall, Ralph is a kind boy who cares for people around him by trying his best to provide them to help everyone survive. He sets a main goal to help everyone on the island survive.

Ralph is the character that represents the ego and he is in control of the boys in the beginning of the book. He is elected chief of the island: "Him with the shell. Ralph! Ralph! Let him be chief with the trumpet-thing. Ralph raised his hand for silence" (22) and already has power over the boys even right after he is chosen. He also is influenced by Simon, Piggy, and Jack. He listens to the superego when Piggy tells him to blow the conch in the beginning and listens to the id when he Ralph feasts with Jack and takes part in killing Simon. The reader is able to see that Ralph relied on the superego when, at the end of the book, both Simon and Piggy are dead and he is being chased, he asks himself "What was the sensible thing to do? There was no Piggy to talk sense" (196). Ralph relies on others to help him make decisions and is influenced by what other people say and do. He is also the one in control of the boys for most of the book. These are both traits of the ego. These characters in the book all help represent the human

In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the depictions of childhood and adolescence are used to shape the overall meaning of the work. Depicted differently by different characters, adolescence is used to represent the different societies and governments in place around the world & how delicate they really are. In the novel, it becomes clear that Ralph’s character is used to represent a leader in an organized democracy while Jack’s persona is presented as more savage and power-hungry. Jack’s character is shown to clash with Ralph’s because Jack wants power & leadership and causes for an autocracy while Ralph wants the opposite. Aside from Ralph and Jack lies Piggy, clearly used to show intellect and portray the government’s disregard for science and knowledge.

He is eventually chosen as leader on account of his many positive qualities. He maintains a conflict with Jack throughout the entire novel, trying to keep order while Jack isn't as dedicated to it. The next person you meet in the story is a short fat boy, who wears spectacles. He is the most intellectual boy on the island, but since he has no social skills, he is usually in the background trying to maintain the peace. Together Ralph and Piggy represent the struggle for order and democracy.

Secondly, Ralph is not only a rational leader but also a moral person, who cleverly keeps the fairness in his group. “Ralph, looking more understanding at Piggy, saw that he was hurt and crushed. He hovered between the two courses of apology or further insult ‘Better Piggy than Fatty” (25). Ralph is sincere and considerate for other people. He apparently understand their feeling and particularly shows his sympathy for Piggy. Ralph is sensible enough to realize that everyone deserves to be respected. He believes no one should have to put up with being tormented. Ralph gently gains others’ support by treating them equally, showing his compassion and ability to empathize with them. Opposite to Ralph, Jack is immoral, violent and condescending. “He’s going to beat Wilfred” (159). He does not care or understand the natural equality of

One of the main characters in Lord of the Flies, Ralph is one of the oldest bigguns on the island. His good looks and confident demeanor quickly makes him the obvious leader to the boys. Although he lacks Piggy's apparent intelligence, Ralph is relatively logical and responsible, with sound judgment and a firm moral scale. But, like the other boys, he can fall into the same entraping instincts that affect the other boys, as demonstrated by his part Simon's murder.

Jack was one whose personality caused the civilization to come tumbling down. When we first discover the boys on the island and get a mere glimpse of their personalities, it is quite apparent that Jack is going to be one who is power-hungry. He already has a group of followers, the choirboys, of whom he has the utmost power over. He has a very controlling personality that cannot be subsided by the obstacles that are shown in the novel. Jack suffers from wanting to be the best. When he is not chosen as the chief and supreme ruler in the very beginning, it is proven that he will find a way to claw up to the top and take the spot that in his opinion is his right. Jack has quite a reckless personality, and will risk all to be standing alone at the top as king or leader. Jack is also guilty of envy, which goes hand in hand with power. He is envious of everything that Ralph has. Ralph is the chief, and has much common sense. Jack senses this and is jealous of the fact that Ralph can command attention and a following that easily. I also believe, when reflecting back, that Jack is in a sense jealous of Piggy, without being aware of it. Piggy is the complete intellect on the island. While Jack is quite smart, he certainly is not as gifted as Piggy. Piggy can interpret any situation and be the lone voice of knowledge of the masses. Jack not only gets jealous

To what extent does a Marxist reading of ‘Lord of the Flies’ lead to a fuller understanding of the novel?