How well does Ralph cope with being chief?

Good intentions but he couldn’t exert enough authority over the other boys who prefer Jack’s way

Find details surrounding the election of a leader Seen as attractive e.g. ‘mildness about his mouth’ Physically seen as the type of boy others want to follow – heroic appearance e.g. ‘golden body’ & ‘might make a boxer’ Roger says ‘let’s have a vote’ Ralph doesn’t immediately put himself forward or react strongly when Jack says he ought to be chief; he lets the boys decide for themselves which shows he values others’ opinions and will act in the best interests of the group Boys elect him ‘with the shell’ Didn’t expect it but has boys’ trust

Early Positive Characteristics of Ralph as leader Establishes democratic procedures e.g. use of conch, ‘hands up’, etc Optimistic e.g. ‘we’ll have fun’, certain they’ll be rescued, etc Right priorities e.g. building shelters, fire Tackles everything with steady determination & establishes a civilised, well-organised community Fair-minded e.g. lets Jack have choir as ‘hunters’ Manages the assembly in Ch 2 well

Ralph’s disappointments … Disappointed with boys not helping build shelters, etc ‘like a crowd of kids’ (Ch 2) Disappointed Jack is engrossed with hunting

Problems with Jack Ch 4 – argument when ship passes and fire’s gone out Jack has to apologise but Ralph doesn’t use his advantage here ‘different sides of a high barrier’ & ‘two continents of experience unable to communicate’ Jack sees they want food, fun and protection from the ‘beast’ – Jack offers more excitement Boys start to reject Ralph’s rules & civilisation and go to Jack for protection when the beast is seen; Jack exploits their fears in order to seize power (e.g. leaving gifts for the beast) Openly challenges Ralph’s authority in Ch 8 and loses but boys later join him

Problems with Jack … Ralph only has one advantage – the specs to light the fire but Jack steals these (Ch 10) so ‘he was chief now in truth’ Roger supports Jack – ‘real chief’ Ralph only has Piggy, Samneric When Piggy is killed, Ralph’s alone & on the run Jack rules by fear & violence so Samneric are tortured to ensure Ralph isolated

The end? Ralph regains some authority in front of the naval officer He’s matured and sees ‘end of innocence’ and recognises Piggy as ‘true, wise friend’ – he’s learned people aren’t kind and compassionate naturally

Conclusion? Started as a strong leader – physically and mentally Believed in ruling by reason (even though he has to learn to think) but not all people are reasonable Lost his leadership and became an outcast Tears at the end represent the buildup of all he’s experienced Being chief was hard – he knew what should be done but couldn’t get others to support him