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GCSEEnglish LiteratureAQARevision Notes3. Modern TextsLord of the FliesLord of the Flies Key Theme: Power and Leadership

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

James Alsop

Written by: James Alsop

Reviewed by: Kate Lee

Updated on

Power and leadership timeline

The theme of power and leadership in Lord of the Flies: 

Lord of the Flies power and leadership timeline
Lord of the Flies power and leadership timeline

How are power and leadership presented in Lord of the Flies?

  • Symbolism: Golding contrasts the democracy represented by Ralph’s conch, with the tyrannical dictatorship represented by Jack’s face paint and spear

    • When Jack’s chief torturer, Roger, destroys the conch, the moment represents the death of any hope for civilisation among the boys

  • Conflict: Golding explores power and leadership through a central conflict between Ralph’s democratic approach and Jack’s autocratic leadership, echoing the violent conflicts of the early 20th century:

    • The novel begins in the apparent aftermath of a nuclear attack (the reason why the boys have been evacuated)

    • The plight of the boys on the island is the result of escalating violent conflict 

    • Jack’s leadership leads to a fire that sweeps through the forest; the conflict with Ralph threatens to consume everyone in a microcosmic representation of real-world fears about nuclear powers      

The impact of power and leadership on characters

Power and leadership in Lord of the Flies
Power and leadership in Lord of the Flies

Character 

Impact

Ralph 

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Why does Golding use the theme of power and leadership in Lord of the Flies?

Golding uses the central conflict between Ralph and Jack to represent the key theme of power and leadership.

1.  Democracy vs autocracy 

  • The island begins as a democracy in which all of the boys have a vote, and (through the conch) their voices are heard

  • Ralph establishes rules in which all boys work for the benefit of the entire community, such as building shelters and setting a signal fire

  • Jack’s autocratic leadership marks him as a violent dictator who seeks to torture and kill those who disobey him

2. The importance of rules: 

  • Golding suggests that humans are innately selfish, and are naturally drawn to individual success over community spirit

  • The breakdown of the boys’ community on the island reflects Golding’s idea that civilised behaviour cannot exist without clear rules; without order and shared goals, humans descend into savagery 

Exam-style questions on the theme of power and leadership in Lord of the Flies

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of power and leadership:

  • Explore how Golding presents power and leadership in Lord of the Flies.

  • How does Golding present Ralph as a strong leader in Lord of the Flies? 

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    Previous:Lord of the Flies Key Theme: ReligionNext:Lord of the Flies: Characters
    Author
    Reviewer
    James Alsop

    Author: James Alsop

    Expertise: English Content Creator

    James is a researcher, writer and educator, who taught English to GCSE, A Level and IB students for ten years in schools around the UK, and loves nothing more than sharing his love of books and teaching! With a BA in English, an MA in Shakespeare Studies, and a PhD in early modern drama from the University of Exeter, he has a special interest in teaching Shakespeare.

    Kate Lee

    Reviewer: Kate Lee

    Expertise: English and Languages Lead

    Kate has over 12 years of teaching experience as a Head of English and as a private tutor. Having also worked at the exam board AQA and in educational publishing, she's been writing educational resources to support learners in their exams throughout her career. She's passionate about helping students achieve their potential by developing their literacy and exam skills.