Jack Merridew Research Paper

People can be controlled by fear, and can have that fear used against them in ways that they can not undermine. When searching for authority, an individual may use fear or violence to gain the power of authority over others. They can use that power to instill more fear. Which in return creates more control over people who succumb to that instilment of fear amongst themselves in order to feel safe. The creation of fear through many things, including the unknown, change or Jack Merridew can create authority. Power and authority from the creation of that fear can then result in power shifts or uprising groups. In which a group gains too much power and authority can result in rebellion and a lost of trust. The creation of authority begins with

Within the society created from the boys, Jack established the fear and ultimately the ‘beast’ within them. He used the beast, in order to instill fear. In return, the boys gave up their freedom to become part of Jack’s tribe so that they would be safe. Jack refuses to acknowledge that the beast may be fear. This way he has something to offer the boys in order to join his tribe and remain under his authority. He promises the boys food, and most importantly, safety, “ and my hunters will protect you from the beast. Who will join my tribe?”. Jack not only uses the beast to create fear, but also the lord of the flies itself. The lord of the flies is a symbol in which signifies what stepping out of line results in. It is this head upon the two-headed stick which frightened Ralph so drastically that sent him into hiding. Also, the small boy, Wilfred who was whipped and beaten for no apparent reason other than to instil fear into the boys within the tribe. The boys amongst Jack’s tribe were so petrified by fear of Jack; and also Roger, that questioning his authority was beyond

There is a breaking point where enough is enough and society responds in a negative action. From the establishment of Jack’s tribe, there were boys who refused to join within it. Including Samneric, Simon, Piggy and Ralph. However after Simon and Piggy’s death, there was little option rather than to join or either die like the other outcasts of the tribe. Ralph was targeted and therefore had no chance to join Jack’s tribe, regardless if he wished to or not. Samneric, however joined because they had no choice. In which they did not meld into Jack’s style of leadership and control. This caused the boys to rebel in simple ways which supported Ralph more than Jack. ““You gotta go now, Ralph.” “For your own good.” “Keep away. As far as you can.” Rather than hunting Ralph in support of Jack, Samneric were loyal to Ralph even when the power of authority had switched. The values of Samneric did not mix well with those of Jack and Roger. Those who had hunted, killed, murdered and abused for no apparent reason. “They hate you, Ralph. They’re going to do you.” “They’re going to hunt you tomorrow.” Jack and his tribe have no real reason to kill Ralph, other than for competition of authority. Ralph has already agreed with the terms that he is no longer chief, so the struggle for authority between the boys has ceased to exist. Among Jack’s tribe there is the rebellious