Characterisations

The most important characters in the extract from “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding are Ralph, Jack and Piggy. They each represent a side of humanity: reason, fear and primitivism.

Ralph

Ralph is the embodiment of reason and sensibility. This is practically the main reason why he was chosen leader in the first place. The first instance, when we meet Ralph, the fragment shows a boy whose authority is respected: “Ralph spoke again hoarsely. He had not moved. “You let the fire out.” (p. 63, ll. 17-18)

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Jack

Jack is Ralph’s rival. From the very beginning, we are told that Jack also wanted to become the boys’ leader, but that he lost to Ralph. He is the symbol of primitivism and savagery. For him, the island is the perfect opportunity to abandon rules and to act savage-like.

In the extract, he is initially seen as a hunter fascinated by killing:

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Piggy

Piggy is a boy loyal to Ralph. His name indicates the fact that he is fat and that he is not physically strong. He suffers from asthma and he is bullied by the other boys. He finds security near Ralph.

When he finds out that he lost the chance to return home to his family because of Jack’s lack of attention, he cannot help but wail: “You and your blood, Jack Merridew! You and your hunting! We might have gone home –” (p. 64, ll. 5-7)

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