William Golding's Animal Farm

William Golding's Animal Farm

On the first page of the book there is immediately a link to the adult

world and the civilization that has been adapted there. There is a

reference to the "Home Counties". This shows that already, the writer

is telling the reader of the links that may be made throughout the

book about the adult world and its comparisons to the life in the

jungle. Societies operate in many different ways and there are many

factors that influence this fact. In the book Golding tries to

highlight what these factors are and how they cause disruption and

peace within a society. By approaching this from different angles the

reader is able to get a better outline of what Golding is trying to

represent and can therefore fully appreciate the wonders of his

writings.

One of the angles that he approaches the way societies operate from is

by using the leader as an example. Throughout the duration of the book

there is a feeling of complete rivalry as the two main contenders

'fight' for the right to be the leader of all other boys on the

island. Jack and Ralph are constantly attempting to better one anther

but in ways that only they can fulfill. In the first chapter of the

book the reader sees a very democratic system employed by the boys.

This is to elect a leader and therefore a fair vote is counted.

Despite this being the fairest possible way of concluding a leader

Jack is not at all happy with the outcome. "and the freckles on Jack's

face disappeared under a blush of mortification". This shows that Jack

expected to be elected as the chief of the group. As Ralph could see

that that Jack was upset by the outcome of this election he

immediately offered Jack the control of the choir. In foresight this

could be one of the worst things that was accidentally and

un-intentionally done by Ralph. This is because there is an

instantaneous division of the two groups, which later on destroy all

form of civilization that has been built. From this initial decision

to elect Ralph as the leader there is a bitter rivalry built up

between him and Jack Merridew, leader of the choir/hunters. The main

reason for this is Jack's jealousy overcoming him. He does not realize

that his authority in the adult world does not necessarily transfer

onto the island where normal rules do not apply and it is just a

matter of survival. Because of this contention between Ralph and Jack

matters start to become worse and the whole fiasco spirals out of