Who Is The Authoritarian In Lord Of The Flies

In the novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding there is an authoritarian character named Jack. Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher, would make the conclusion that Jack will eventually rule the group in a monarchy type government. Even though he attempts to be diplomatic, Jack always resorts to using fear to gain his power, embodying the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes. Jack always shows his power over the other kids by being angry and calling them names. “Shut up” said Jack. Then, looking angrily at piggy said, “Fatty” (Golding 20). Jack said this because Piggy was trying to share his idea and Jack was done listening. Hobbes might of predicted this because he believed that the king should flaunt his power and remind everyone he is better so they feel they have no choice except follow him.

Piggy began to harass Jack so he “stuck his fist into Piggy’s stomach” (Golding 71). Hobbes would think that Jack felt he was losing power and he had to do something to show his superiority to Piggy. “The government must have a near absolute authority in order to rule effectively.” (Lock, Hobbes overview). Jack had no choice but to hit Piggy or the others would see that Piggy is more powerful than him. Jack attempted to take a Locke approach in the meeting after they saw the beast. After Jack described how Ralph cowardly ran away he strongly said, "Hands up," followed with, "whoever wants Ralph not to be chief?" (Golding 127). This was unlike Hobbes philosophy because he would of predicted that Jack would of said he was starting his own group and demand that they follow him or