ipl-logo

Essay On Jack Merridew

595 Words3 Pages

In the fictional novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, stranded boys have many compelling characteristics. Personalities vary from timid to courageous, peaceful to aggressive, or accepting to prejudicing. Although many children have complex qualities, the most interesting character is Jack Merridew. Jack Merridew is the most riveting character because of his bloodthirsty nature. Wishing to kill a pig, Jack refused to let anything stand between him and a feast of meat. Only asking the abandoned boys to keep a fire burning, Ralph, the chief, hoped to send a smoke signal for a rescue. Taking all of the boys hunting except for Ralph and Piggy, an obese and discriminated child, Jack kills a pig; however, Jack brought everyone on a hunt instead …show more content…

After calling a meeting, Ralph begins to list the changes that need to take place on the island. While the chief creates new rules, Jack grows angry and starts to question Ralph's authority; this leads to an argument over power. Disrespectfully, Jack Merridew calls out Ralph’s flaws, carelessly shouting for him to “‘shut up! Who [was he], anyway? Sitting there telling people what to do. [Ralph] can’t hunt, you can’t sing…Just [gives] orders that don’t make any sense ’” (Golding 91). Some may argue that Simon is the most compelling character. Different from the other boys, Simon experiences prejudice because of epilepsy; however, he shows bravery when he goes with Ralph and Jack to search for the beast. However, Simon lacks the aggressiveness to seize power over authority and society. On the contrary, Jack displays rebelliousness against Ralph, signaling his thirst for power. Uniquely craving power, Jack is the only boy defying Ralph’s orders, amplifying his lack of respect; this underscores Merridew’s deficiency and difference from his peers. Refuting Ralph’s rules, only Jack doubts Ralph; the defiant boy contrasts the others because of their unwillingness to resist authority. From his boldness and lack of respect, Merridew exposes defiance, hindering and questioning Ralph’s rule; this establishes Jack’s rebelliousness against authority, amplifying his lack of

Open Document