Mechanisms Conducted by Interrelated Leaders: Comparison of Characters in Lord of the Flies and Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin

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“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character.” Evidently, Norman Schwarzkopf adopts the belief that one’s character directly influences the motive and course of action that an individual is to pursue. Rather, a leader who holds possession of good character generally takes an approach that enables a whole society to benefit, while an individual of dishonorable character makes decisions to solely improve their own situation. In the novel, Lord of the Flies, William Golding introduces two central characters who adhere to diverse leadership qualities, of which mirror the traits and tactics of influential leaders in history. Golding’s allegorical novel reveals how leaders, despite their age gaps, can be similar based upon how the circumstances and environmental conditions enveloping them influences their train of thought. The protagonist, Ralph, possesses a rational strategic insight, acquires a great morale, and is relentlessly compassionate; these qualities can be seen within the conductions of Sir Winston Churchill. Jack, the antagonist, is incredibly power hungry, impetuous, and engages in manipulative techniques, which mirrors the inner workings of Joseph Stalin.

The work of Sir Winston Churchill reveals how he is an extremely admirable leader, particularly on the basis of his determined and relentless spirit. Churchill is well known for his ability to inspire and bring hope to individuals, even in the most ominous circumstances. To elucidate, Churchill declares, “We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France and on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; we shall ...

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...ndividuals and developed characters within a novel serves as an effective tool in allowing a reader to decipher how the central characters are relatable to people within history.

Works Cited

Churchill: Leader and Statesman. London: 2009.

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. New York: The Penguin Group, 1954.

“Joseph Stalin.” Biography.com. 23 March, 2012. http://www.biography.com/people/joseph-stalin-9491723.

“Joseph Stalin.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 2007 edition.

Lewis, Brenda Ralph. Churchill: An Illustrated History. New York: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 2005.

Mishael, Herbert. “Journey into History: Sir Winston Churchill.” The Age. 1 February 1965: 2.

Radzinsky, Edvard. Stalin: The First In-depth Biography Based on Explosive New Documents From Russia’s Secret Archives. New York: Anchor Books, a Division of Random House, Inc., 1996.

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