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Piggy In Lord Of The Flies Analysis

Decent Essays

Overall, Piggy represents different aspects of government that society often forgets about. He is intelligent, rational, and, like Ralph, civilized. Piggy furthers the theme through his characteristics, words, and actions. On the other hand, Golding places a character in the novel that eventually disrupts all order and strives for complete mayhem because of the savagery that grows within him. This character is the leader of the choir and hunters, Jack Merridew. Jack represents autocracy through his power-hungry, uncivilized and relentless personality. An autocratic government is a type of government in which power is placed in one person’s hands and in which decisions are made whether the population agrees or not. From the beginning Jack has desired to be the one in charge. “‘I ought to be chief… because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp’” (Golding 22). Just because Jack can sing C sharp does not mean he should be the one in charge, but he does not see it that way. He desires power so badly that he uses the younger boys’ innocence to get them to join his group. Jack will not accept the role the boys give him. Ralph names him chief of hunting since he did not win the vote, however Jack desires to be the overall chief. Ron Carter discusses the different characters in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies; in fact, one of the characters he discusses is Jack Merridew. Carter states that Jack is a captivating leader who is unable to accept the role the boys

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