Introduction –
Leadership, power, savagery, and the destruction of civilization, are some of the major events and lessons shown in the book Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding. Throughout the novel, there are several lessons taught by several characters though the most informative character is Jack. Jack is a strong-willed, egomaniacal, and manipulative boy that will do anything to get what he wants at any cost which is seen in many scenes during the novel. Throughout this speech, the three main arguments I will be discussing which justify that Jack teaches the audience the most valuable lesson are the motive to be rescued and to be a leader and the conflict risen due to it, how power must be in the right hands and Jack turning savage.
Argument 1 – The motive to be rescued and to be a leader
Being rescued or being a leader, is one of the most valuable lessons taught throughout the novel between characters Jack and Ralph. Ralph wants to be rescued and wants to go back to normal civilization, which is seen when he makes the decision to light a fire to alert nearby ships or planes. At the beginning of the book (Chapter 1), Jack states, “I ought to be chief…because I’m chapter chorister and head boy.” This quote shows his claim as the natural leader of the boys and his controlling attitude though when he is outvoted by Ralph which is the beginning of the conflict. It also shows how Jack attempting to dominate the group rather than working with Ralph to benefit it. Jack’s manipulative and dominant nature becomes more evident in Chapter 2 onwards when Jack yells “Speak up!” while the small boy had the conch. He snatches the conch from his hands and bullies one of the littluns, causing him to cry and the assembly to shout with laughter. Therefore, the initiative to be rescued and the motive to be a leader is one of the valuable lessons taught in the novel.
Argument 2 – Power must be in the right hands
Power in the right hands is a crucial lesson taught in lord of the Flies because it teaches the audience how if it is wrongly used, violence, abuse and the destruction of civilization will occur. When Jack possesses power, we see the most destruction. He uses the power to cause fear and deception for his own gain to show his dominance and that he should be a leader, leading to the death of 2 people. Jack uses his power to create fear by reminding all the boys about how ‘the beast might try to come in,’ making them go to him for a place of protection and join his tribe, leading to Ralph and Piggy being the last members of the civilized group. On page 129, chapter 5, Jack yells at Ralph, “And you shut up! Who are you, anyway? Sitting there telling people what to do. You can’t hunt, you can’t sing—” “I’m chief. I was chosen.” “Why should choose to make any difference? Just giving orders that don’t make any sense—” This shows how Jack doesn’t value Ralph anymore and thinks he is not fit for leadership unlike him. On that account, power must be in the right hands is unquestionably a valuable lesson taught proving that Jack teaches the most valuable lessons
Argument 3 – Turning savage
Jack turning savage is unquestionably, the most valuable lesson taught during the novel with his violent actions while on the island growing stronger and stronger. He shows the dark side of his life and his feeling of freedom without consequence comes into play with his abusive actions. He loses his ability to remain civilized while he is stranded on the island. He gives in to his native savagery and becomes dehumanized. In Chapter 5, Jack exclaims “Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong – we hunt! If there’s a beast, we’ll hunt it down! We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat!” This shows the growing savagery and anger building within Jack. He values violence and hunting over following Ralphs’s rules to keep civilization on the island. On page 218, chapter 9, Jack starts a chant, “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” showcasing their hunger for blood. On the next page, the littluns see something approaching them and the hunters pounce, attacking and killing it with no hesitation or sympathy even after they realize it was Simon. This is why savagery is the most valuable lesson taught to the readers.
Conclusion –
In conclusion, there were various important lessons taught throughout the intriguing, addictive, and well-written novel Lord of the Flies which were taught by various characters, though Jack teaches the audience the most valuable. Decisive and manipulative Jack teaches the audience the motive to be a leader and to be rescued, how power and leadership must be put in the right hands to prevent violence and abuse, and how Jack turns savage, losing his humanity as every minute goes by while on the island.
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