Comparing Ralph And Jack In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

In the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding there are two boys named Ralph and Jack who have some similarities but have far more differences.Those differences go beyond physical appearance. It is also their mentality. They do very different things that say a lot about them. Jack and Ralph both had darkness in their hearts, but Jack’s darkness manifested itself through his leadership style and behavior.
Both Jack and Ralph stepped up to the leadership role, but they both had versatile styles of leadership. Unlike Ralph, Jack has no problem with punishing the boys. At one point Jack punishes Wilfred by tying him up and beating him for no apparent reason. When Roger asks,”What for?” Robert replies,I don't know. He didn't say. He got angry and made us tie Wilfred up. He's been"--he giggled excitedly--"he's been tied for hours, waiting--" (124) This shows how aggressive he is and shows the darkness in his heart. He is also not afraid to belittle someone, unlike Ralph who is more likely to use more constructive criticism . Jack assess the problem directly while Ralph calls meetings and asses it indirectly.

They both may want to help the boys but the way they act affects it. Jack becoming a savage and a bully shows that he has the most darkness in his heart. He is a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker, like Piggy. “ Piggy spoke, also dribbling. "Aren't I having none?" Jack had meant to leave him in doubt, as an assertion of power; but Piggy by advertising his omission made more cruelty necessary. "You didn't hunt." "No more did Ralph," said Piggy wetly, "nor Simon." He amplified.”This shows how cruel he is to the weak. Jack wants to help the boys but only wants the best. Jack believes in survival of the fittest, while Ralph wants to help everybody. Ralph is a very honest person and the boys respect him for that. He is a very mindful leader and would help everyone unlike