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Developing Leadership in "The Lord of the Flies"

Developing Leadership in "The Lord of the Flies"

“A strong leader is not necessarily a good one.”

In a group, there are always people who prove to have better leadership skills then others. The strongest of these people can often influence the weaker people into following them. However, the strongest person is not necessarily the best leader as it is proven in William Golding’s novel, The Lord of the Flies. Although Ralph is the weaker person, he is still able to demonstrate a better understanding of people than Jack who is stronger. Ralph demonstrates his excellent leadership skills throughout the novel by keeping order among the group, treating everyone with respect, and having the sense to keep his focus on getting rescued.

While the boys are under Jack’s control, they quickly regress into uncivilized savages. However, Ralph manages to keep the boys under control by holding meetings. At the meetings, a sense of order is instilled because the boys are not allowed to speak unless they have the conch shell. “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.” (p. 31) By enforcing this sense of order, he gains respect from the boys and becomes for confident as a leader. Ralph uses his power to try and improve the boys’ civilization. He demonstrates his understanding of the boy’s needs by building shelters. “They talk and scream. The littuns. Even some of the others.” (p. 53) Ralph is referring to the fact that the boys need the shelters because they are afraid and the shelters will help the boys feel more secure. This demonstrates his better knowledge of people making him a better leader than Jack who does not understand this. Jack does not realize that the boys need to feel secure and require a sense of order in their society.

Ralph shows his understanding of human nature by the way he handles the boys. Jack considers the boys inferior to him, meanwhile, Ralph treats all the boys equally and with respect. Ralph’s leadership qualities are shown when he defends Piggy since he is the weakest of the group and is therefore treated unfairly. When Jack slaps Piggy and purposely breaks his glasses, Ralph calls it “A dirty trick.” (p. 76) This shows Jack’s selfishness and his failure to respect other...

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