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Power In Lord Of The Flies

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The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel surrounding a group of children who encounter a situation where they must govern themselves without adult assistance. The children create distinct positions of power and leadership in an attempt to create a democratic society until its eventual downfall. By creating a pressure-filled, unfamiliar setting and using complex symbolism, Golding discloses Jack's unwavering urge for power despite the destruction it causes. The setting of the novel plays a major role in the events which occur, and ties in with the core message. An island with no adults around, forcing children age 6-12 to fend for themselves. This creates a struggle for power within the islanders due to human natural lean towards savagery. The children quickly discover that …show more content…

A huge example of power developing a character rests in Jack. Jack’s character at the beginning of the story is that of a self entitled priss. When the group elects Ralph chief, Jack opposes them, saying that he should be chief since he “can sing in C sharp” and is “chapter chorister and head boy” (pg 28). The new surroundings had uprooted Jack from his usual power filled position with the chorus boys, making him adamant about returning to power despite having no leadership traits. Ralph humors him in an attempt to avoid further conflict, and gives him control of the chorus, who would be the hunters for the group. He abuses his control over the hunters, and disregards the orders Ralph made so he could slay the pig. Meat from the pig becomes a temptation for the group, causing them ignore rules set by Ralph in a frenzy. “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.” (pg 75). Once Jack gains a larger following, he becomes a dictator type leader, forcing those he leads to do his bidding despite the moral implications, leading to the deaths of Simon and later

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