Lord Of The Flies Inferiority Analysis

Using false feelings of superiority as a way to mask inner feelings of inferiority is a seemingly effective method to use when trying to appear more authoritative than is true. However, what begins as “false feelings” quickly escalates into genuine arrogance. In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, Jack’s superiority complex and need to be in control revealed the inner savagery of the boys, which eventually caused the downfall of their community.

Jack 's egotism is clear to see from the first meeting, yet Ralph still manages to overshadow him. Golding sets the tone for Jack’s character straight away through Piggy 's "intimida[tion]" at Jack 's "superiority" (26). This suggests that he carries himself in an authoritative way. The boys are eager to appoint a chief to help maintain order on the island. When the opportunity arises, Jack insists that he is the most worthy because of his experience as “chapter chorister and head boy" (28). However, his urge to be in control is negated when the boys vote for Ralph, instead, resulting in Jack’s “mortification” (29). Though Jack views himself as a powerful figure, the choir’s “dreary obedience” indicates that the other boys do not think so. Though Jack is embarrassed to have not been selected as chief, the “suffusion drain[s] away” from his face immediately after Ralph gives him the power to turn his choirboys into hunters, which not only satisfies but also proves Jack’s need to be in control.

Jack suffers another blow to