How does Jack gain power in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Jack is one of the main characters whose quest for power leads to chaos on the island. While Ralph tries to lead through order and cooperation, Jack uses fear, intimidation, and violence to get what he wants. This article explores how Jack gains control over the other boys and eventually becomes the leader of his own tribe.
How does Jack gain power in Lord of the Flies?
Jack gains power in Lord of the Flies by using both verbal and physical violence to intimidate the other boys and get his way. From the beginning, Jack tries to assert his authority by challenging Ralph’s leadership and using fear to influence the group, especially with talk about the beast. As the story goes on, Jack becomes more aggressive and starts breaking rules, hunting for fun, and punishing anyone who opposes him.
Eventually, Jack decides to split from Ralph’s group and forms his own tribe: “I’m not going to play any longer. Not with you.” He invites others to join him, promising meat and protection from the beast. This promise is tempting for many of the boys who are scared and hungry.
Jack continues to use violence as a way to control his followers. When he becomes chief, he orders punishments, like beating Wilfred, to keep everyone in line. The narrator notes, “Authority sat on his shoulder and chattered in his ear like an ape.”
Through these actions, Jack shifts power away from cooperation and consensus toward fear and brute force, eventually making himself chief of a breakaway tribe that follows his every command.
How does Jack gain more power than Ralph?
Jack gains more power than Ralph in Lord of the Flies by using fear, promising protection from the beast, and offering meat from his hunts. He also encourages violence and breaks away to form his own tribe, attracting more boys to follow him instead of Ralph.
How does Jack use fear to gain power?
Jack uses the boys’ fear of the beast to manipulate them and gain power. He convinces them that only he can protect them, which makes them more likely to follow him and accept his leadership.
How does Jack treat the other boys?
Jack treats the other boys like he is superior and expects them to obey him without question. He often acts bossy, demanding, and controlling toward the group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack gains power in Lord of the Flies by using both words and violence to intimidate the other boys and get his way. When he can’t take control through the group’s original rules, he forms his own tribe and declares himself chief, ruling through fear and force instead of cooperation.