Who is the antagonist in Lord of the Flies? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, conflict between the main characters drives much of the story’s tension and drama. Understanding who the antagonist is helps readers make sense of the power struggles and chaos on the island. In this article, we’ll explore which character serves as the antagonist and why he plays such a crucial role in the novel.
Who is the antagonist in Lord of the Flies?
The main antagonist in Lord of the Flies is Jack Merridew. Throughout the novel, Jack keeps challenging Ralph and gets in the way of his efforts to create order among the boys on the island. Jack’s focus on hunting, power, and savagery stands in direct opposition to Ralph’s efforts to maintain order and cooperation.
From early in the story, Jack is set up as Ralph’s rival. When he loses the vote for chief, he is described as having “a blush of mortification,” showing his disappointment and foreshadowing his later rebellion. As the story goes on, Jack gets more aggressive and violent. He ends up starting his own tribe and urges the boys to give in to their wild side.
One quote that highlights Jack’s antagonism is when he rejects Ralph’s leadership:
“Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong—we hunt!”
Jack’s actions and attitude make him the central force opposing Ralph, creating much of the conflict in the novel. In the end, Jack’s lust for power and disregard for rules push the boys further into chaos and savagery, making him the clear antagonist of Lord of the Flies.
Why is Jack the antagonist?
Jack is the antagonist in Lord of the Flies because he opposes Ralph both personally and politically, challenging Ralph’s leadership and ideas about civilization.
Who is the most evil character in Lord of the Flies?
Roger is the most evil character in Lord of the Flies. He bullies the littluns, kills Piggy, tortures Samneric, and enjoys the power his violent nature gives him.
What is important to Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies?
What’s important to Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies is having freedom and spending time on the island without any adult supervision.
How does Jack view the world in Lord of the Flies?
Jack views the world in Lord of the Flies through instincts of savagery, violence, and a strong desire for power.
Why is Ralph the protagonist in Lord of the Flies?
Ralph is the protagonist in Lord of the Flies because he is elected leader, tries to keep the boys organized, and focuses on their rescue from the island.
How does the protagonist change in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Ralph changes by becoming a more organized and mature leader as the story progresses.
What is the protagonist conflict in Lord of the Flies?
The main conflict in Lord of the Flies is the struggle between order and savagery. The boys try to stay civilized, but things slowly fall apart, especially in the struggle between Ralph (who wants democracy) and Jack (who acts like a tyrant).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack Merridew is the main antagonist in Lord of the Flies. His actions and desire for power create conflict and drive the story’s descent into chaos.