Just imagine life without any authority. The world would be filled with savages - completely crazy and unruly. Everyone would be able to do all they want without any consequences. In William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, this happens and young Jack can be characterized as an arrogant, heartless, self-absorbed, and untamed little boy trying to lead government on an island.
Jack is a cruel child. When all the boys are arguing because they can't make a fire, Jack gets irritated that he can't always be the one to speak. "The counch doesn't count on top of the mountain so you shut up! (42)." Jack won't allow Piggy to talk, even if he has the counch, because he's upset. He changes the rules just so he can have it his way. Piggy questions why he doesn't get any meat to eat, so Simon freely gives him a piece so he doesn't starve. "Then Jack leapt to his feet, slashed off a great hunk of meat, and flung it down Simon's feet (74)." Jack is angry because Simon gave Piggy meat, even though he didn't hunt. He doesn't believe it's fair Piggy gets food because of his anger and selfishness. Jack is merciless and only thinks for himself.
Jack is self-absorbed. Piggy and Jack argue, and when Ralph tells Jack he needs to give Piggy a chance to talk, Jack just gets even more offended. "And you shut up! Who are you, anyway? Sitting there telling people what to do. You can't hunt, you can't sing -" (91). Jack's upset at Ralph because Ralph tells him to allow Piggy to speak. Piggy has the counch, but Jack doesn't care at all. He is leader so he feels free to break the rules. Jack can't help with making a fire, and when he tries he can't even finish his advice. When he sees Piggy, he decides to use the poor guy's glasses to help make a fire. ""My! You've made a great heap, haven't you?" Jack pointed suddenly. "His specs - use them as burning glasses!" Piggy was surrounded before he could back away. "Here - let me go!" His voice rose to a shriek of terror as Jack snatched his glasses off his face (40).
