Ralph's Power In Lord Of The Flies

Have you ever read Lord Of The Flies? If not you should because it is a thought provoking and interesting book. In the book Lord Of The Flies by William Golding a group of plane wrecked boys attempt to lead themselves, Ralph being one of the main characters. Throughout the book Ralph attempts to maintain authority and civilization; often ending up facing against Jack, with whom he struggles for power; often struggling over one of the three powerful symbols revealing his inner nature.

There are three main symbols which recur throughout the book. The conch represents Ralph’s power over the boys and is also a symbol of just authority. Another symbol is Piggy’s specs which represent civilization. Ralph does his best to help protect Piggy and his specs; in part because they are used to start fire. Jack breaking one of his specs is a symbol for the breakdown of central authority. The third symbol is fire which represents structure and rescue. Ralph attempts to maintain structure so that they take turns maintaining the fire in an attempt to signal rescue which would return them to civilization. “We can help them find us . . . We must make a fire.” pg. 38

Initially Ralph is voted chief and Jack becomes head of the hunters. Over time their goals diverge and they become more antagonistic, arguing. One turning point in favor of Ralph is when he forces Jack to make a fire and move in response to his position “So Ralph asserted his chieftainship and could not have chosen a better way if he had thought for days.” pg. 73 Jack however regains power in hunting when he rejects the rules. Later he calls for a revote in chief but does not succeed. He choses to leave and most of the biguns joins. Then he consolidates power in killing of the second pig. From there on Jack gains more power and Ralph loses