n hold it when he’s speaking”’ (33). The fact that Ralph comes up with rules is very good, but in the process, he fails to establish consequences for those who break the rules. Ralph’s main plan for rescue is to build a fire and hope that a passing ship will notice the smoke. He finds it difficult to get everyone to participate and carry out his responsibilities. Ralph is one of the only boys who does not turn to savagery, but some of his actions are questionable. Ralph participates in the beating of one of the boys in a ritual hunt, and also there is question about his involvement in Simon’s murder. Because Ralph is a leader, his participation in some of these events may influence the other boys. At first, all of the boys are on his side, wanting rules and regulations. And by the end everyone, who is still alive, is against him. To show society deteriorating, Golding uses Jack Merridew, leader of the choirboys. Jack feels that he would be the best choice for chief. When he is not chosen, the conflict between him and Ralph begins. He disagrees with everything Ralph does and makes it clear to the boys that he could do better. For instance, in the middle of a meeting that Ralph has called, Jack stands up and says, “‘So this is a meeting to find out what’s what. I’ll tell you what’s what.”’ (82). Jack has leadership instinct which is shown when he breaks away from Ralph to form his own tribe. He and his followers become savages, and from there on civilization goes downhill. Jack will do anything to become the leader of all of the boys, even if it means killing those who will not follow him. First Jack paints his face, then he hunts, and then he kills. When Jack’s tribe kills Piggy, it is a true example of how they have become savages. Golding shows Jack at the beginning of the novel when he says that they are not savages and then progresses on ...
