Who Is The Most Effective Leaders In Lord Of The Flies

The novel Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding takes readers through a story that consists of numerous conflicts. Although there are many instances of conflicts that arise between the characters and other factors, such as technology and nature, one of the major conflicts within this novel is the dispute between Ralph and Jack. This conflict regards who is the better leader for the boys during their time on the island. Throughout the novel, the obvious and most effective leader is Ralph. Ralph is the better leader for the boys during their time on the island because Ralph obtains strong leadership abilities, he can maintain civility, along with order on the island, and he is empathetic towards the boys.
When comparing Ralph and Jack

An example of this is found as Ralph first establishes rules on the island. Ralph establishing rules on the island shows that he is an effective leader because he is demanding a government system among the boys. “And another thing. We can't have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have 'Hands up' like at school” (33). Ralph enforcing a government system shows him to be civilized and ordered because he realizes that without adults present on the island, conditions could lead to chaos. He takes this responsibility into his own hands and shows he is a leader that prioritizes the formalities within society. Another trait that shows Ralph is an effective leader is that he can hold people accountable for their actions in a civilized way without extreme chastisement. For instance, when Ralph holds Jack and his hunters accountable for letting the signal fire burn out. “Ralph spoke again, hoarsely. He had not moved. ‘You let the fire go out.’" (70). Ralph enforcing his own rules shows that he is a good leader because he is not afraid to provide consequences for those who step out of line. Doing this shows others what not to do and provides a guideline. Along with this, Ralph does not encourage violence, as he sets ground rules and consequences in a civilized matter

This is an important quality to obtain as a leader because it encourages Ralph to make the best possible choices for the boys on the island. An example of this occurs when Ralph includes everyone in the group and protects the more vulnerable, specifically Piggy. Through reading the novel, Piggy is consistently picked on and left out of the group because of his physical appearance and difference from the boys. For instance, a quote Ralph says is; “Now go back, Piggy, and take names. That is your job. So long." (25). Ralph notices Piggy’s need to be included and asses this, giving him importance. Through Ralph’s empathy, he makes the vulnerable feel important, creating a sense of community and fairness within the group. Ralph’s empathy is also noted as he allows for everyone’s opinions and thoughts to be shared during assemblies. "That's what this shell's called. I will give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he's speaking.... And he will not be interrupted. Except by me” (33). This quote shows that Ralph cares about the group and how his decisions affect others, making everyone feel heard and appreciated. He uses others' opinions and feelings to support the rest of the group, making him an effective leader. Finally, another factor that contributes to Ralph being an empathetic leader is seen through his compassion for the boys on the island.