Ralph and Civilization vs. Jack and Savagery

Ralph is the main protagonist of the novel. Elected as the leader of the boys at the beginning of the novel, Ralph already established the belief that “we’ve got to have rules and obey them” because “we are not savages. We’re English, and the En

While Ralph acts as a protagonist in this novel, Jack is the antagonist who ought to eventually destroy Ralph’s authority over the boys completely at the end. As a chief, Ralph uses his knowledge from his own society, and gives Jack and Piggy a chance to cooperate with him. He tries to act like a gentleman, not knowing how his antagonist will eventually destroy his politeness and his assert order. Ralph’s entire authority depends heavily on the platform, the conch, his speech on what civilized societies would do, and Piggy as the advisor. As a result, his relationship and cooperation with Jack deteriorates over time due to their different interests. When the boys realize that Jack could provide them with food and protection, they automatically start to join Jack’s side. Roger even speaks out for Jack, “which is better -- to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is? Which is better -- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill? (Golding 180)” As a result, Ralph’s leadership quickly debilitates furthermore after Piggy’s death when no one else remains and is willing to support him.

I think Golding purposely designs Ralph and Jack to represent the good and the evil in human beings. By creating two very different characters, he can demonstrate how evil in human nature can conflict with t

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