Jack Merridew Character Analysis

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Writer Steven James once said, “The true nature of man left to himself without restraint is not nobility but savagery.” James explains that without the restraints of civilization, man will act savage. This quote can be used to accurately describe Jack Merridew, one of the young boys who becomes stranded on an unknown island during World War II in Lord of the Flies. The novel was written by William Golding and illustrates the dark side of humanity. Golding gives the reader a glimpse of man’s true nature without the restraints of civilization in the character Jack Merridew. Jack’s descent from civilization to savagery is evident from his sociopathic nature and personality; after letting his true nature run wild for a long time, Jack’s return to civilization would be conflicted. Jack is power hungry, envious, immoral, and manipulative to further his own agenda—to be the leader of the boys and control the island.
Golding drew inspiration for Lord of the Flies from his own childhood, years of teaching, and time serving the British Royal Navy. As a child, Golding bullied his peers as an outlet for his frustrations, (Bibliography.com); these actions are …show more content…

Golding created Jack as the representation of evil he saw while serving in World War II. Jack’s primary goal of taking control of the entire island is fueled by his power hungry nature and envy of others; Jack wants to be the “golden boy” of the island and the number one confidant of Ralph. His immoral, sociopathic nature and manipulation of other characters helps him achieve his goals. However, as he usurps the role of leader from Ralph he causes the island to descend into savagery. He presents the reader with humankind’s innate sense of evil and how even the most civilized person’s true nature of senseless killing and barbarism can be unleashed without the social expectations that keep this nature

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