William Golding’s “Lord Of The Flies” Essay, Research Paper

In a group of people there are always ones who come out having better qualities to be a leader than others. The strongest people, become the greatest influences in which others follow. Although sometimes the physically strongest person is not the best choice. In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, Ralph, not the stronger person, demonstrates a better understanding of people than Jack which gives him better leadership qualities. In this novel Ralph demonstrates many different characteristics that make him a better leader than Jack.

Ralph displays useful human qualities as a leader by working towards making a better society on the island for the boys. He knows the boys will need stability and rules on the island to keep them calm and together. He creates a simple form of government. Raplh treats all the boys with equal respect and dignity, where Jack does not.

This shows Ralph is a better leader as he is able to acknowledge that he is not superior or better than any of the boys on the island.

Ralph keeps the boys in order through the meetings he holds. At the meetings there is a sense of order given to the boys as they must wait for their turn to speak. When Ralph says, “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.” (Golding. 34) he enforces his role of a leaderby insisting rules and gives the boys an authority figure. By doing this he wins the respect of the boys, as well as confidence in his leadership qualities.

Ralph realizes he possesess power and authority and he uses it in an attempt to better the society of the boys. By building shelters he demonstrates his knowledge of the boys needs. When he says to Jack, “They talk and scream. The littluns, even some of the others,” (54) he is referring to why the boys need shelters. The boys are frieghtened, and Ralph understands that by building the shelters, the boys will feel more safe and secure.

Ralph demonstrateshis knowledge of human nature in the way he treats the boys. Where Jack thinks of himself as inferior to the rest of the boys Ralph sees them as equal. Ralph’s leadership qualities are reflected in his constant defence of Piggy. Piggy is treated very unfairly. When Jack breaks his glasses Ralph calls it, “A dirty trick” (76).

This shows Ralph’s compassion and understanding of people.

When Jack gets meat from hunting, he gives some to everyone but Piggy. When Piggy asks for some, Jack says, “You didn’t hunt.” (78). Ralph and some of the littluns didn’t although Piggy is the only one not fed. Jacks contempt for Piggy shows his inability to understand people, as a good leader would take care of all his followers. Ralph understands this and therefor is better leader.

A good leader should be able to look into the future and plan accordingly. Ralph does this. The choices he makes aren;’t popular as most of the boys rather follow Jack and goof off. When Piggy says, “Which is better to be a pack of painted niggers like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?” (197), this demonstrates that by not following the besr leader their chances of getting rescued from the island are growing slimmer.

The boys make the wrong choice to hunt and play games rather than keep the fire burning and build good shelters. Ralph’s clear understanding of people and needs make him a far better leader when compared to Jack. Jacks societ was barbaric and savage and met none of these needs. Jack treats the boys as slaves. A good leader may not be as charismatic as a poor one, it isimportant to choose the leader which will meet the needs of people. The popularityof an