Ralph's Leadership In Lord Of The Flies

A leader is someone to look up to, listen to, and trust to be fair to all. “When challenged, they don’t give in too easily because they know their ideas, opinions, and strategies are well-informed and the result of much hard work” (Economy). In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, Ralph is presented as voted leader of the stranded boys who survived their plane crash arrival. Ralph competes against Jack, the antagonist, for his elected position. Throughout the novel Ralph displays traits of his abilities to assess, prioritize and lead in a selfless manner.
Ralph’s clear ability to assess situations and make the decisions that would best help the group is a reason why he is a better leader.. According to Peter Economy, “They [Leaders]

“We want to be rescued, and of course we shall be rescued. Voices babbled. The simple statement unbacked by any proof but the weight of Ralph’s new authority, brought light and happiness”. (Golding 37). Ralph knows that their number one priority has to be getting themselves off of the island. Ralph knows that hunting and building won’t matter if they don’t find a way to get off the island. Ralph proves he is a good leader because of this. According to Karin Wills, “They [Leaders] are able to see the 'big picture' and act accordingly”. In the novel, Ralph shows his talent in being able to see the ‘big picture’, which is to get himself and his group off of the island. According to William Golding, “The fire is most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck?”. In this excerpt from the novel, Ralph shows his expertise in setting his priorities by knowing that the only thing that will get them off the island is if someone sees the fire from afar. Ralph should be considered the better leader because he can prioritize the groups

Nevertheless, Ralph is a better leader because he is also kinder than Jack is. “Choir! Stand still! Wearily obedient, the choir huddled into line and stood there swaying in the sun” (Golding 20). Jack isn’t nice to his choir, therefore, cannot be trusted to to lead the group and be nice to everyone. According to William Golding, “Ralph looked at him, eager to offer something. ‘“The choir belongs to you, of course’”. Ralph, even after beating ou Jack for the role of leader early on, is nice enough to let Jack lead the choir that he came with. Therefore, even though Jack came onto the island a leader, Ralph is nicer, and would make a better