The Role Of Jack’s Character In Lord Of The Flies

Need help with assignments?

Our qualified writers can create original, plagiarism-free papers in any format you choose (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc.)

Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.

Click Here To Order Now

In Lord of the Flies, Jack Merridews character traits propel the theme of violence and evil, the dark part of human nature. As a former head boy as well as choirmaster, Jack arrives on the island with the experience of significant success in controlling as well as exerting his power over his peers. As such, he is eager to establish rules and consequently punish individuals who fail to meet his expectations, even though he is quick to break the same rules whenever he needs to further his self-interest. This paper will, therefore, provide an analysis of how Jacks violent, jealous, and manipulative character traits propel the manifestation of the theme of savagery and evil in the novel.

Jack is depicted as a violent character in the novel. The trait is evident when hunting begins to take over him as it is revealed that he attempted to convey the compulsion to track down and kill things that was swallowing him up (Golding 42). The use of the word compulsion suggests that killing had become an instinct that came to him easily, a characteristic of evil and savagely tendencies. Additionally, Jacks violent nature is manifested when he rushes at Piggy, and slaps him, causing Piggys glasses to break. Also, when Ralph asks Jack to return Piggys glasses, he reacts by attacking Ralph. Based on these reactions, Jacks actions as a violent character propel the theme of evil and savagely in the novel.

Jack is also jealous of Ralph in the novel, which furthers the theme of savagery and evil in the book. More specifically, when Ralph is chosen as chief, Jacks jealous nature is seen as his face shows a blush of mortification. Jacks envy of Ralphs authority is also seen when he shouts at him, and you shut up! Who are you anyway? Why should choosing you make any difference? Just giving orders that dont make any sense (Golding 79). The rant reveals that Jack is so envious of Ralphs authority and leadership that he is unwilling to acknowledge him as the new chief. The jealously builds up in the plot until it explodes in the theme of evil as Jack eventually turns savage, calling for Ralphs blood.

Furthermore, the theme of evilness and savagery is propelled by Jacks cunning and manipulative nature. More specifically, he uses fear and excitement to scheme and manipulate his peers in the novel. In this regard, he uses excitement to lead his peers into a hunting adventure, which he paints as exciting and fun. In this way, using excitement, the boys cling to Jack due to the excitement that he generates. Similarly, he uses fear to manipulate the boys into supporting him as he plays up the fear and horror of the beast, which he paints as a godlike figure with the ability to change its form (Golding 82). The fear gives the tribe a reason to obey Jack, just as he intended. As such, Jacks scheming and manipulations create chaos and manifest the elements of savagery and evil in the novel.

Jack is an essential character in The Lord of the Flies as he influences the theme of savagery and evil in the novel. In this regard, his compulsion to kill and his violent attack on Ralph are evidence of evil in the story. Additionally, his jealousy of Ralphs authority drives him to take actions aimed at undermining his power, including attempting to kill him. Jack also uses manipulation to propel his evil and savagely deeds and further his leadership agenda. In these ways, Jacks character traits influence the theme of evilness and savagery in the novel.

Need help with assignments?

Our qualified writers can create original, plagiarism-free papers in any format you choose (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc.)

Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.

Click Here To Order Now