Jacob Slimak

Ramez Ibrahim
10 English Honors
28 October 2016
United by Fear

In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, power and authority are regarded in
the microcosm of the island such as in the real world. When the boys arrive on the island they are
presented with the problem of not having a proper adult to inform them what should be done.
They elect Ralph as chief leading to a division of opinions between Jack and Ralph because Jack
also wanted to be chief. The boys slowly unravel and lose their civilized ways causing conflict to
present itself and disputes over who should lead. Jack eventually splits off from Ralphs group,
taking with him his hunters and the end of Jack and Ralphs mutual relationship. Ralph leads the
boys through responsible and thought out actions, while Jack leads his boys through impulsive
and irresponsible actions. However, Jack was the more successful leader even though his actions
were misguided because he was able to influence the boys and lead them under his control.
Therefore, Jack has more control over the boys through his strong personality, while Ralph lacks
a sense of strong initiative.
Ralph starts out as the chief in the novel through election after calling a meeting with the
conch. Through his possession of the conch he was seen as the most obvious candidate to lead
since it was seen as a form of authority which he held in his hands. Its states, Him with the
shell. Ralph! Ralph! Let him be chief with the trumpet-thing! (Golding 21). The boys see Ralph
as someone who can unite them through the conch, but possession of the conch does not grant
good leadership. Through Ralphs adult-like attitude, he thought of the majorities survival

without keeping in mind they are still children seeking fun. The young boys do not understand
the value of security and being rescued because they have to perform tedious tasks that offer
little thrill. Although he creates rules, values others opinions, and has good morals, he still loses
the loyalty of the others.
A successful leader has control over his people and represent a common goal. Jack
influences the other boys with the thrill of the hunt and lack of responsibilities. By the keeping
the boys well-fed and uniting them through common interest, he strengthened their loyalty to
him. After the accomplishment of killing a sow, Jack stood up and waved his spear, Take some
meat (Golding 153). Jack rules like a tyrant, however, this is efficient as it is seen to have a
progressive effect on the boys. Many strong leaders throughout history have ruled as tyrants by
using fear and a common interest to control their subjects. Jacks rule over the boys is comparable
to that of Germanys Adolf Hitler, who convinces Germans that the Jews were the cause of their
problems and debt, leading the Nazis to carry out mass genocide and racism.
Jack exhibits qualities of a strong leader by using fear and a common interest to unite and
manipulate the boys. The boys follow him blindly over Ralph because Jack allows the boys to
have fun and to experience the thrill of surviving on the island. A strong leader is someone who
can unite many for their cause regardless if its morally justified or if its positive for others.