How Does Golding Show Leadership In Lord Of The Flies

Leadership is a significant role in civilization. When there is no leadership present, savagery takes over and causes chaos. Since leadership remains a key responsibility, there are qualities that the leader must have. Leaders who are capable of making decisions for those who are afraid show courage. They also must be responsible because they are liable for things in their power, and in the efforts, they must consistently express good intentions that benefit everyone. In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, there is limited leadership which soon converts to commotion. Golding portrays the characteristics of what a leader must have through Ralph. Ralph shows courage by speaking in front of others even when he knows they would

Ralph demonstrates an example of this when he realizes he needs to start acting like an adult. He continuously mentions the fire must keep going. “And another thing. We nearly set the whole island on fire...Now I say this and make it a rule because I’m chief. We won’t have a fire anywhere but on the mountain. Ever.” (87). Until they get rescued, Ralph matures and realizes being stuck on the island is not a game and they need to remain safe. Being able to step up when no one else would, shows bravery. “I’m chief. I’ll go. Don’t argue” (114). Everyone except Simon believed in the beast, but the biguns chose to not talk about it and when they encountered the beast, no one volunteered to face the beast. Ralph being able to sneak up to Samneric is another example of Ralph being courageous. “Terrified that they would run and give the alarm, he hauled himself up until his head and shoulders stuck over the top” (208). He snuck up to Samneric to ask them what Jack would do to Ralph. When he finds out that Jack is planning on killing him, he flees from the boys and tries to hide. Thus, possessing courage is an important trait leaders must have because it illustrates that they are capable to confront

Golding portrays Ralph as responsible when he gets chosen as leader. For instance, when he created the rules for the island. “And another thing. We can’t have everybody talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands up’ like at school” (31). Ralph portrays that he is responsible by making rules since he wanted the boys to remain civilized like they were before they landed on the island. It would not feel like they were in a different environment with chaos. Another example of responsible leaders is being able to take responsibility for actions and admitting them. “That was Simon...That was murder...Don’t you understand Piggy? The things we did—” (172,173). The day after everyone kills Simon; Ralph realizes they killed Simon and takes responsibility for participating in Simon’s murder. Acknowledging what is more significant is crucial when being a leader. “I was talking about smoke! Don’t you want to be rescued? All you can talk about is pig, pig, pig!” (55). Ralph is aware of the priorities and understands they need food to survive. He soon becomes furious as some of the boys are careless and have become savage. Therefore being responsible as a leader can be difficult but is an essential trait in order to remain a good