How does Golding present Jack throughout the novel? In William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," Jack Merridew's character is presented as a complex embodiment of savagery and the innate human desire for power. Golding uses Jack's transformation from a disciplined choirboy to a ruthless leader to explore themes of civilization, power, and human nature. Through Jack, Golding illustrates the fragile veneer of societal norms and the ease with which they can be discarded. At the novel's outset, Jack is introduced as a disciplined and authoritative figure, leading the choirboys with military precision. "The creature was a party of boys, marching approximately in step in two parallel lines and dressed in strangely eccentric clothing." This initial portrayal emphasizes Jack's control and adherence to order, reflecting the societal expectations he has internalized. However, even in these early scenes, there is a hint of Jack's latent aggression and desire for dominance, as he is visibly frustrated when Ralph is elected leader over him. …show more content…
His obsession with hunting became a symbol of his descent into savagery. The madness came into his eyes again. I thought I might kill.'" This quote captures Jack's growing infatuation with violence and power, marking his shift from a structured, rule-abiding boy to a figure driven by primal instincts. The act of painting his face and the ritualistic hunting dances further detach Jack from the civilized world, symbolizing his embrace of a more barbaric