Lord of the Flies Key Theme: Power and Leadership (AQA GCSE English Literature)

“And another thing. We ought to have more rules. Where the conch is, that’s a meeting” – Ralph

Ralph establishes the conch as a symbol of democracy, demonstrating his values as the elected leader of the boys

“We'll have rules! ... Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks 'em-” – Jack

Jack gives the impression of valuing rules and order, but seems especially excited about giving out punishments — foreshadowing his later autocratic leadership

“There was the brilliant world of hunting, tactics, fierce exhilaration, skill; and there was the world of longing and baffled commonsense” – The narrator 

Golding contrasts the opposing leadership styles of Jack and Ralph, suggesting that civilisation is less appealing than violence and bloodshed

“The chief was sitting there, naked to the waist, his face blocked out in white and red” – The narrator 

Jack’s transformation into “the chief” is represented by his face paint, which hides his former identity and frees him from rules and order

“The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” – The narrator 

Roger destroys the conch, valued by Ralph and Piggy as a symbol of civilised democracy, marking the triumph of Jack’s violent leadership

• Ralph is a charismatic leader, whose size makes him a link to the adult world of authority:

  • He is elected through democratic means (a group vote), and he and Piggy establish the conch as a symbol of democracy and authority; it allows every person a voice in the group

  • Although Ralph shows common sense and maturity in seeking to set rules and create a sense of order among the boys, he is not above cruel or savage behaviour

  • He is swept up in the group attack on Simon and regrets it bitterly afterwards

• Jack believes he is entitled to lead because of his role as head chorister: 

  • Although Jack initially favours “English” rules, he resists Ralph’s leadership and rebels to lead his own group of hunters

  • By wearing face-paint, he sheds the order of his former life to become a more savage and violent “chief” and imposes an autocratic rule: he punishes those who do not obey him, and sentences Ralph to death

• Piggy depends upon civilisation for survival on the island, as he is unable to contribute physically in the same ways as the other boys:

  • His glasses become an important symbol of civilisation as they allow the possessor to make fire, cook food, and contact the outside world

  • Jack’s mistreatment of the glasses suggests his callous disregard — both for the weaker Piggy and for Ralph’s rules and order

  • Piggy is Ralph’s last follower; his death represents the end of any hope for civilisation on the island