NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Throughout the boys stay on the island, they experience many events, which have a momentous impact on their lives. During this time Ralph becomes a clear leader by nature figure whose actions manifest belief in democracy and civilization. In the beginning Ralph shows authority and concern for their well-being, and he in fact, represents the civilized values that the boys bring with them to the island. Though as their adventure progresses Ralph has to combat an-going struggle with Jack for the leader post.
However, leadership is not the only thing Ralph is fighting for, but against the gradual degeneration of the boys as a group. Straight away we are introduced to Ralph as an above average boy, tall, fair, agile and a good swimmer. At first Ralph shows signs of optimism and the craving for adventure. Ralph danced out into the hot air of the beach and then returned as a fighter-plane, with wings swept back, and machine-gunned Piggy. It is clear from this quote that Ralph has no sign of fear, reluctance or apprehension of being on the island. He wants to enjoy himself, and make the most of not having the restriction of adult rules.
After spending some time conversing with Piggy, getting to know each others backgrounds Ralph acquires the conch which plays a key role in the boys stay. It heralds the birth of civilized order on the island and is highly respected by Ralph, who so to speak, treasures the conch. Having found the conch Ralph repeatedly gives it several full-hearted blows to attract the other kids from around the island. We can use this to call the others.
Have a meeting. Theyll come when they hear us- From the very commencement of the story, Ralph's belief in democracy is initiated. When everyone is gathered the first thing he wants to do is have a meeting, giving the reader an idea that his life prior to getting stranded was governed by rules and order, which he brings with him onto the island. This idea of democracy is further manifested when the Ralph decides that the boys need a leader.
He lifted the conch, Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things. Not only through Ralph's actions, but also from his manner, a certain self-confidence is evident, nevertheless this confidence must not be mistaken for arrogance, at the same time Ralph shows compassion and consideration as well. Ralph believes in himself and does not seem to have any insecurities, making him the obvious of the boys. During the first meeting a little boy with a distinguished mulberry colored birth mark on his face is persuaded to speak by his companions, who tells everyone about his fear of the beastie which he saw in the woods at night. This is the first problem that arises in the island, and all the boys turn to Ralph for his opinion on the matter. He handles the situation very calmly, You couldnt have a beastie, a snake thing, on an island this size, Ralph explained kindly.
You only get them in big countries like Africa, or India. This rational reassurance seems enough to persuade the boys otherwise, and Ralph establishes himself as a true leader who the boys can look up to. Having finished the meeting the boys decide they need to build a signal fire, and rush up to the top of the mountain. They succeed in lighting a fire, though this not only symbolizes hope, but also destruction. Soon the fire gets out of control, and sets the jungle alight.
Piggy notices that the little boy with the birthmark goes missing, and the boys realize he must have got caught in the fire. The crowd was as silent as death. This is the first death on the island, and is of great significance. Ralph recognizes the seriousness of the event, and it is the first real time where you can sense a change in Ralph.
From here on he seems to have that innocence that came with him to the island. The boys quickly try to forget about the death of the little boy and get on with their lives. Though things are not running as smoothly as they could be. Jack (chief of his choir) and Ralph are the two oldest and strongest boys on the island, and what the future of the boys as a group lies in their hands. Though, the more and more the story progresses the greater the diversity is between Ralph and Jacks priorities and aims. Jack is intent on hunting and having fun while Ralph and Simon try to build shelter for the boys.
It is a struggle between degeneration and maintaining a civilized society. This leads to a quarrel between Jack and Ralph We need shelters. Suddenly Jack shouted in rage. Are you accusing-?
This constant bickering shows Ralph that he is not that leader who first took control of the boys at the beginning of their stay on the island. Thus meaning that Ralph can sense that the clear-cut authority which he supposedly had is now slipping away from him and people are questioning his decisions. By the time Ralph calls the next assembly Jack has formed his own tribe and calls them his hunters. His tribe are degenerating to a primitive form, not only hunting like savages but also carrying out rituals such as dances and face paint. In this meeting there is a breaking point, which has a substantial change on Ralph. Ralph and Jack, discuss an issue that is becoming a great concern for everyone on the island.
the beastie. A row breaks out with Jack and Ralph each wanting to have their own say. But Jack was shouting against him. Bollocks to the rules!
This is the time when its make or break time for Ralph. Jack clearly questions Ralph's leadership, denying democracy, and Ralph fails to establish order and himself realizes the magnitude of what he has done. Within, Ralph knows that he has lost the leader post to Jack, meaning he has a completely different perspective on things, knowing that he no longer has control over the boys. He no longer acts a true leader from then on. The bond between Ralph and the rest of the boys is completely broken when Jack who is later followed by the rest of the boys departs from Ralph and Piggy leaving them alone. Do alright on our own, said Piggy.
They are left to dwell on the fact that they have lost any previous influence they might have had on democracy and simply a civilized way of life. Thinking that it will be alright without Jack and the rest of the boys, though this is just a false sense of security as it is obvious that democracy cannot be present if everyone is splitting into their own groups. Ralph comes to realize that he is no longer needed by Jack, if anything he is seen as someone who is hindering their tribe. Ralph no longer has ideas about trying to reinstate democracy, now he is just intent on being able to survive. Seeing as Jack is in possession of all the hunters Ralph and Piggy have no other option but to join Jacks camp in order to be able to feed themselves.
The whole camp is persuaded to take part in a savage ritual. As Simon crawls out of the jungle, the boys who are in a state of frenzy beat him to death while singing and chanting, thinking that he is the beast. There were no words, no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws. Ralph and Piggy try to convince themselves that it is was not murder but inside they know that they have no excuse. After this incident, Ralph for the first times notices that he, himself is actually degeneration exactly like the rest of them and is not in the least innocent. The very final incident that has a change on Ralph is Piggy's death.
The only person who Ralph could truly rely and trust is murdered. As Ralph and Piggy approach Jacks camp Roger levers a rock, which lands on Piggy who plunges 40 feet to his death. This experience is probably the most horrific for Ralph. His only friend is brutally murdered right before his eyes.
From then on he has to rely on his instincts to run away and survive the wrath of Jacks tribe, murdering him as well. Ralph no longer shows any sense of morals or reason that was present when he first arrived at the island. He has degenerated just like the rest of them. Golding does very well in presenting the change in the character in Ralph. Ralph at the end of the book is a complete contrast to what he was at the beginning.
At first Jack symbolizes the democratic ideas and belief in a civilized society that is first present in the boys, however this does not last. As Jack is leading the boys down the road of degeneration it is all too tempting for them to forget their responsibilities and indulge in fun. Ralph is stuck in the middle trying desperately to hold on to that democratic way of life that he knows is essential for survival but is at the same time in a struggle against Jack who has opposing views to him in most circumstances. Ralph fails to maintain his leadership of the boys and is forced to co-operation to an extent with Jacks tribe. Throughout the book, Ralph as a person greatly changes from an optimistic boy who has prospects to lead a civilized way of life on the island to a degenerated boy who is mentally scarred by the events on the island.
Free research essays on topics related to: jacks tribe, jack and ralph, ralph and piggy, true leader, civilized society
Research essay sample on Ralph And Piggy Jack And Ralph
