Lord of the Flies Comparison of Ralph and Jack
Lord of the Flies - Comparison of Ralph and JackComparison of Ralph and Jack
In a group, there are always people who come out with better qualities as a leader than others. The strongest people however become the greater influences that others decide to follow. Sometimes though, the strongest person is not the best choice. In “Lord of the Flies,” Ralph, though not a strong person, demonstrates a better understanding of people giving himself better leadership qualities than Jack. Through the book, it is shown that Jack thinks he is better and should be the leader, though all he creates is mayhem.
Ralph shows useful human qualities as a leader by working towards making the boy’s society better. He knows that he needs to keep the boys refined, and, to do that, he desires stability and array. Ralph decides to create rules and a small simple government to accomplish keeping everything in control. He understands that most of the boys have to be given reverence and be treated as equals, predominantly Piggy. Ralph keeps in focus about trying to get them off the island. His leadership makes peace and order on the island, while Jack’s leadership creates pandemonium.
Under Jack’s rules, the group becomes uncivil wild beasts without discipline. Ralph wins the boys respect from his natural leadership abilities. By building shelter, he makes the boys’ needs complete. When he says to Jack, “They talk and scream. The littluns. Even some of the others.” (Golding 56) he is referring to why the boys need shelters, because they are afraid. Yet Jack fails to realize that the boys need security and stability. Ralph knows that the shelter will let the boys feel more secure and safe. This all makes a vivid picture of Ralph’s enhanced knowledge of people that shows another quality to being a better leader than Jack.
Ralph’s treatment of the boys demonstrates his understanding of how people should be treated. While Jack considers the boys inferior to himself, Ralph treats the boys as equals. Ralph’s greater leadership qualities are reflected in his constant defense of Piggy. Piggy is the weakest of the group and is therefore treated unfairly much of the time. When Jack hits Piggy and breaks his glasses, Ralph calls it “A dirty trick.” (Golding 78) Ralph’s compassion and ability to empathize with others thus illustrating his understanding of people; while at the same time demonstrates Jack’s disregard for other humans. Ralph’s “government” is a form of democracy which gives each boy equal rights and an ability to express themselves. Jack treats the boys, especially Piggy, as inferiors. When Jack gets meat from hunting, he gives everyone some except for Piggy. When Piggy asks for some, Jack says, “You didn’t hunt.” (Golding 80) Ralph and many of the little ones did not hunt, yet only this treatment is directed at Piggy. Jack’s contempt for Piggy shows his inability to understand people, while a good leader would take care of all of his followers. Ralph possesses this understanding and is therefore a better leader.
Ralph’s common sense and ability to recognize what is best for the group as a whole further demonstrates his greater leadership skills. His main focus throughout the book is getting rescued and he puts much emphasis on this. He instructs the boys to make a fire and to keep it burning as a distress signal. When the boys do not share his eagerness for getting rescued, he becomes infuriated. “The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don’t keep the fire going?” (Golding 88) Ralph’s determination to get rescued is not for simply selfish reasons, but rather, it is in the best interest of the group. When the boys join Jack’s tribe; Jack only satisfies their short term wants and needs, such as the desire for meat. A good leader however, should look to the future and plan accordingly such as Ralph does. Although these choices may not always be popular, the better leader will carry out long-term plans. When Piggy says, “Which is better - to be a pack of painted niggers like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?” (Golding 199) he demonstrates how the boys; by not following Ralph, have been lead astray by Jack. Ralph’s main priority is getting off the island, a much wiser choice for the boys to follow. Unfortunately, the boys decide to follow Jack, whose main priority is to hunt and play games rather than try to be saved. Had they listened to the better leader, the novel may not have ended as disastrously.
Ralph’s clear understanding of people and their needs make him a far better leader when compared with Jack. Ralph’s understanding of the boys need for stability and order through directions and rules prompts him to improve the society in which they are living. Jack’s society was met none of the boys needs. Jack treats the boys as slaves and inferiors. Ralph’s patience and caring with the boys shows his ability to take charge and rule in an effective, yet self-ruled fashion. Ralph’s priority to get off the island demonstrates his wisdom and ability to make decisions. Although a good leader may not be as charismatic as a poor one, it is important to choose the leader who will meet the needs of the people. The popularity of an inferior leader soon disappears, yet the wisdom and guidance of a good leader will always remain.