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Ralph's Responsibility In Lord Of The Flies

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As days go by the struggle to get civilization to withstand crumbles, twelve-year-old Ralph one of the main characters in William Golding’s classic tale Lord of the Flies takes up an unforeseen responsibility. When the group of boys lead by Ralph and his rival Jack are wrecked on an island they experiment to establish a functioning society. At the beginning, the endeavour to organize their own dominion is a simple task. Later on, the boys views and ideas reveal that trying to create a successful government is challenging because the boys lack the components necessary for a strong governing body. Though the boys have a charismatic leader Ralph, their childish and barbaric actions lead to the destruction of civilization. On the other hand, Jean-Jacques …show more content…

Rousseau also declares that everyone should work for the benefit of the society. He also shapes the idea, that assemblies should be held in which the people's vote is based not on their own personal desires or interests but rather on what will benefit their society in the best way possible. Since the boys, fail to implement this key governing component, they face the aftereffect of no collaboration. Furthermore, when Ralph calls his meetings, he expects the boys to vote for the benefit of their companions. Ralph yells to Jack “There was a ship. Out there. You said you’d keep the fire going and you let it out” (Golding 70). In Ralph’s community, everyone has to help with their designated jobs “the fire” was Jack’s designated duty. Ralph disapproves Jack’s decision of going hunting “you let it out”. Jack takes up the responsibility to watch over and keep the fire lit at all times but he neglects the fire and goes hunting. During one of his meetings, Ralph concludes that the only way to get rescued is by having a signal fire. The “general will” implied in the course of this novel is the fire. Originally, the group of boys collectively agree about the fire having an important purpose. This fire serves a purpose to the whole group and not just an individual. It was intended to give hope and help rescue the boys. Due to Jack’s unmindful and selfish behavior, a ship passes by, along with their hope of rescue. This portrays that the “general will” is …show more content…

The aftereffects of this disastrous governance lead to disunity and bloodshed. Lord of the Flies is known as an allegorical novel because many of the important characters represent ideas or themes. William Golding conveyed through his story that human beings must have rules, authority, and a government in order to maintain a safe environment. Through this story, it is evident that wherever one may go there is always some form of a government and a leader. Golding warns through his novel that humankind is not always free of flaws. Lord of the Flies continues to inspire many people and show new ideas in our everyday

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