Essay submitted by David Zeman
There are always people who, in a group, come out with better qualities as a leader
than others. The strongest people however, become the greater influences, which the
others decide to follow. However, sometimes the strongest person is not the best
choice. Authors often show how humans select this stronger person, in order to give an
understanding of the different powers that some people can posses over others. In
William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies Ralph though not the stronger person,
demonstrates a better understanding of people which gives Ralph better leadership
Ralph displays useful human qualities as a leader by working towards the betterment of
the boys' society. He knows that in order to stay civilized the boys need stability and
order. He creates rules and a simple form of government to achieve this order. Ralph
understands that the boys, particularly Piggy, have to be given respect and must be
treated as equals. This makes Ralph a better leader, as he is able to acknowledge that
he was not superior to any of the other boys. Ralph's wisdom and ability to look to the
future also make him a superior leader. Ralph has the sense to keep his focus on
getting off the island. He insists on keeping the fire burning as a distress signal. Ralph's
leadership provides peace and order to the island while Jack's leadership creates chaos.
Under Jack's rule, the boys become uncivilized savages. They have no discipline. Ralph,
however, keeps the boys under order through the meetings, which he himself calls. At
these meetings a sense of order is instilled because the boys have to wait until they
hold the conch to speak. When Ralph says, "I'll give the conch to the next person to
speak. He can hold it when he's speaking." (Golding 36) by making such rules as these,
and by givi...