With absolute power comes absolute corruption, but with limited power comes limited corruption. In the novel Lord of the Flies, the arbitrary need for a leader brings forward strife and competition between characters that desire power. Ralph with his old democratic leadership style clashes with Jack’s unethical style to rule. In the book Lord of the Flies, we learn that eagerness for power is strong enough to break the boys’ fragile civilization, which is demonstrated by the characters Ralph, Piggy and Jack. Ralph displays characteristic of a good democratic leader, demonstrating initiative, courage, determination and responsibility which greatly helped the boys survive on the island. In the book Lord of the Flies, Ralph shows immense amounts of initiative and responsibility as the …show more content…
A character who uses fear as his biggest strength shows the boys he is the most dangerous amongst the others on the island. “ See? See? That’s what you’ll get! There isn’t a tribe for you anymore! The conch is gone-[Golding, 201]. In this quote, Jack is taking responsibility for Roger’s actions of being Piggy’s murder. By doing so Jack now seems more powerful to the other boys, therefore resulting in a more feared leader. Along with being power hungry, Jack has a more democratic leading style. He constantly brainwashes the little uns, by telling his that Ralph is boring and wrong and he only hunts and has fun.” [Ralph] is like Piggy. He says things like Piggy. He isn’t a proper chief”[ Golding, 138]. By saying this, Jack is showing the other boys that to survive you need to hunt and be strong, not use your brain. This paints a negative image in the little boys and about Ralph and Piggy, resulting in Jack looking like the best. A forceful, intimidating and violent leader, who is obsessed with hunting and killing is the most accurate way to describe