Lord of the Flies

Ralph is first described as “fair” (7). However, without grownups or rules, he is suddenly free from the burden of society. He makes fun of Piggy and is delighted there are no grownupsbecause he has “ambitions” (8) and now he can realize them. However, he soon comes to see the value in rules. He blows the conch to call an assembly and begins to set rules: they must keep a fire for rescue; they shouldn’t use the bathroom everywhere; they should build shelters. Cast into a primitive way of live, Ralph decides they do indeed need rules. He represents the civilizing instinct of humans, the need for law and order, and the need for hope.

Jack is Ralph’s foil. He represents power and the corruption it causes. He becomes increasingly barbaric the longer they stay on the island, and he increasingly resents Ralph’s attempts to maintain civility. Jack also represents the military, or organized arms. He first says that his hunters are soldiersbefore calling them hunters, and his followers march in uniform. They become Jack’s army, and with them, he takes over the island in destroying