Jack's Responsibility In Lord Of The Flies

Dr.Phil once said, “When you choose your behaviour, you choose your consequences.” Responsibility is a crucial quality in leaders, especially during a crisis such as the one shown in Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding. Not only do they have to provide adequate survival tools, as well as ensure the well-being of each victim, but they must also accept the blame for whatever happens on the island while on their watch. Due to the mass destruction caused on the island, someone must be held accountable, that person being none other than the story’s main antagonist, Jack Merridew. His cruel personality, mixed with his rebellious tendencies and impulsiveness, make him ultimately responsible for the damage caused.

To begin, Jack Merridew

Jack, being used to having things go his way, became envious of Ralph. First, he deemed Ralph unfit as Chief because he had no prior experience as a leader nor was he the oldest, unlike Jack who was Head Boy of the choir. This is shown when Jack says, “ ‘I ought to be chief,’ said Jack with simple arrogance, ‘because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp.’” (Golding 23). This proves that he felt that he was deserving of the position, instead of Ralph. This implies that he felt as though Ralph was already inferior to him and by Ralph being chosen over him, that he was suddenly less competent than a boy with fair looks. Next, Jack has wanted to, on several occasions, to ignore Ralph’s orders and prove to everyone else that he knows better. This is shown when Jack calls out Ralph publicly saying, “He’s a coward himself.” (Golding 139). This proves that he finds Ralph to be incapable of leading a tribe and chooses to hunt (instead of maintaining the fire) to showcase his authority. In conclusion, he chose to follow himself and walk away from the group, offering the other boys the option of amusement, rather than admitting his own