Jack Responsibility In Lord Of The Flies Essay

A plane abruptly crashes into an abandoned island, risking the passengers in the plane. Luckily, the boys in the plane survive this devastating event. These boys, isolated from the supervision of adults, cooperate for rescue. A particular boy, encouraged that he can lead the boys successfully, instructs the others. Unfortunately, this responsible boy disguises himself with a mask, which brings a major transformation. For this boy, Jack, a major character in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, his desire for power is greater than his hope for rescue. By Jack putting on the mask, Golding displays a responsible British boy, who focuses on survival, transform to an irresponsible, aggressive human being who is consumed by violence. Before Jack disguises

He turns to the choir, “who stood ready” and says “ ‘We’ll build a pile. Come on’ ” (40). Jack uses the word ‘we’ to show that the boys will work together for survival. He doesn’t demand the boys’ service, rather he encourages everyone to cooperate. This leadership influences the boys’ actions positively, thus Jack is a responsible leader. Without Jack, the boys would lack efficiency. Later, Jack and Ralph, “together, [joins] in an effort by the burden, they [stagger] up the last steep of the mountain…then they [step] back, laughing with triumphant pleasure” (40). Golding refers to Ralph and Jack as being ‘together’ to emphasize their unity. Since they are partners working for the same goal, rescue, they empathize with each other; for instance, together, they take pleasure in their accomplishment. In US, the president makes the final decisions; however, there are people behind the scene who affect the president’s decision, such as the vice president or the president’s wife. Similarly, although Ralph is the ‘elected chief,’ Jack influences the boys and Ralph’s decisions. Thus, Jack’s responsibility as a leader spurs the boys into