Although Ralph is arguably the main character in the novel, one must look at Jack to see what role Ralph plays within the story. It is Jack that contrasts Ralph and makes him stand out as the lead character. Jack’s personality and actions that make him Ralph’s foil character.
In chapter four the hunters “let the fire out” ( Golding 71) while a ship is passing by their island. It immediately becomes apparent that Jack told his hunters to leave the fire so that he “could have them in the hunt” (73). This distresses Ralph because he is only interested in the practical things that will get them rescued; Jack is much more carefree, his interests are in hunting. In this case Jacks contrast of Ralph makes Jack seem to be almost evil, and Ralph becomes elevated to the reader as responsible leader of the children.
The contrast between Jack and Ralph also helps to illustrate a common theme in the novel. Jack and Ralph represent the struggle that Golding believes people have between good and evil. Jack valiantly describes how he “Cut[s] the pig[s] throat” (Golding 79) and how “blood spilled out” (78); Ralph halts his speech and immediately calls a meeting to discus the situation on the island. While Ralph is making a speech about the need for rules Jack loudly proclaims “Bollocks to the rules” (99), Ralph can only respond with “the rules are the only thing we’ve got” (99). This demonstrates what Golding believes to be the true nature of the human spirit. Through his contrast of the characters Ralph and Jack, Golding is saying that these boys are becoming more and more barbaric without human civilization.
The theme about human nature became fist apparent in the first three chapters, and was clearly established in chapters five and six. I believe that this theme will be instrumental in the development of the novel, it will be interesting to see how Golding develops it in the following chapters.
2 comments:
The conflict between Jack and Ralph is a terrific aspect of Lord of the Flies. I agree with your view of the contrast and foiling of the two boys. I think it is clear that this current tension between them will create a horrific climax. I feel that at this point Jack is not fully ready to take on Ralph. I sensed this through reading the line: “Jacks face went so white that the freckles showed as clear, brown flecks” (111). We can see that Jack is still fearful of Ralph in the sense that Ralph is the leader of the group of boys. However, I was able to detect some defiance in Jack. After turning white, Jack “remains standing” and “licks his lips” (111) as if he is anticipating some sort of conflict, as if he would be finally able to stand up to Ralph. I also found interesting your view of the theme of good and evil in the novel. After reading the Golding interview in English class, it is quite evident that he intended to use this theme in the book. I enjoyed your idea that this theme is represented by Jack and Ralph. Your contrast of Jack being harsh towards the rules and Ralph embracing the rules truly shows this. I am excited to see who wins: Good, or Evil?
I definitely agree that Jack and Ralph are foil characters; they appose each other from the very beginning where we feel the intimidation Ralph feels towards Jack and his “choir”. I would like to propose a thought; If Jack and Ralph are foil characters would you agree that one is the antagonist and one is the protagonist? And if so which one is witch? I have been dealing with this question myself throughout this novel. You see from time to time I have started to feel like Ralph is going a bit stir crazy because he was almost delusional when the fire was out. Although I do agree that the fire is very important, it almost seems like Jack is taking life on the island more literal and he is right, meat is very important if they are going to be there for awhile. Which brings me onto another question that I have been battling with between these two characters; which will be the one to “fail”? Will Ralph be over thrown by jack and his strong will, which in fact will make Jack look like the “bad guy”, or will Jack have to learn again to submit to the leader and see that being rescued is the most important thing, which will make neither of them “the bad guy”? Right now in the novel, although Jack has been giving Ralph some trouble, I believe that the strength of these two characters working together as a team will benefit the group the most. However, because of the trouble beginning to happen and Golding’s point of “Good vs. Evil” I believe that the two boys opposing each other is more likely the path that the story will take.
~Erika Domke
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