Only Thing To Fear Itself Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” (John Maxwell). According to Business Dictionary, Leadership involves establishing a clear vision, sharing the vision with others so they may follow willingly, and providing the information, knowledge, and methods to realize the vision. Taking the time to analyze leaders in history is extremely important for our future. Looking at past faults is the easiest way to learn. In Lord of the Flies, William Golding shows a leader must stand strong to avoid corruption through the character Ralph and what they represent in his haunting allegory for World War II. Ralph went from a bully, to a leader, to a survivor. At the beginning of the novel every time Piggy starts to say something

One of the biggest reasons for this, is the novel's heavy outlook on fear, and how fast it can corrupt if we let it. “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself— nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” (Roosevelt’s Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself). This entire speech talks about how we must stand strong against fear for it is easily and harshly spread. This is a big correlation between Ralph and Roosevelt, as they both understand this concept, and take their best attempts at shooting fear down. Ralph and Roosevelt also viewed power in a similar sense throughout the novel. Ralph demonstrates that he realizes the need for all the boys to work together, as well as a recognition that Jack's power-hungry nature overrides all good in the boys. “That, in its essence, is Fascism—ownership of Government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt). This quote was a message for congress about why we need to keep monopolies at bay. Giving any person too much power can be dangerous to a society. Lastly, Ralph and Roosevelt both are able to recognize violence. In the novel Ralph is the only one to see that they had murdered Simon, and it was heavy on his soul. “Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our

Golding wrote Ralph to have a similar leadership style to Roosevelt on purpose. “Some critics say that Golding is a sheer pessimist. No, one of his hopes lies on Ralph’s self-awareness.” (Xiaofang Li & Weihua Wu). Golding shows Ralph to be the only character in the novel to be truly conscious of the horror that is themselves. Another important quality a leader should possess is being humble enough to know they’re not always in the right, and take the time to see what needs to change. “Humble leadership involves having an accurate view of oneself, recognizing the contributions of followers, and modeling teachability.” (Thomas K. Kelemen, Samuel H. Matthews, Michael J. Matthews, Sarah E. Henry). This is a major factor missing in the dictators of our history. None of them ever stopped to think maybe they had been going about things the wrong way. Lastly, being orderly and prompt is a commonality between Ralph and Roosevelt. Ralph knew what had to be done and did everything in his power to make sure it would work, he was organized and calculated while going about it. During the Great Depression Roosevelt was elected in, he needed to find a solution to the crisis brewing, fast. He made a plan to get things done, A New Deal. According to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum within the first 100 days “Sixteen major bills had raced through Congress. Virtually everything Roosevelt asked for