Lord of The Flies: Jack as a Dictator

William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies explores the descent into savagery and the breakdown of civilization through the dynamics of a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Throughout the novel, the character of Jack Merridew emerges as a dictator-like figure, exploiting fear and power to establish his dominance over the other boys. This essay will analyze key quotes from the novel that depict Jack's dictatorial tendencies and discuss their implications in terms of power, control, and the loss of civilization.

One of the earliest instances of Jack's dictatorial behavior can be seen when he forms his own tribe separate from Ralph's democratic leadership. As Jack asserts his authority, he declares, "I'm going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too" (Golding, 42). This quote highlights Jack's desire for control and dominance, as he isolates himself and gathers followers who are willing to submit to his leadership. By creating his own tribe, Jack establishes a hierarchy where he holds absolute power, effectively transforming himself into a dictator.

Furthermore, Jack's obsession with hunting and the acquisition of power is evident in his quote, "We'll hunt and I'm going to be chief. We're going to have fun on this island" (Golding, 23). Here, Jack's desire to be chief is not driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of the group, but rather by his thirst for control and the pleasure he derives from exerting power over others. This quote suggests that Jack's dictatorial tendencies stem from his inherent need for dominance and his belief that power equates to enjoyment.

As Jack's dictatorship becomes more pronounced, he uses fear and intimidation to maintain control over his tribe. In a moment of aggression, Jack asserts, "I'm warning you. I'm going to get angry. D'you see? You're not wanted. Understand? We are going to have rules! Anyone who breaks them will be hunted down" (Golding, 91). This quote demonstrates Jack's use of fear as a means of control, threatening his followers with punishment and even death if they dare to defy his authority. By instilling fear in his tribe, Jack solidifies his position as a dictator, ensuring that his power remains unchallenged.

Moreover, the transformation of Jack's appearance further symbolizes his dictatorial persona. As he descends into savagery, Jack paints his face and wears a mask, effectively hiding his true self and embracing his role as a tyrant. Golding describes Jack's transformation, stating, "He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself, but at an awesome stranger. He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling" (Golding, 64). This quote suggests that the mask allows Jack to distance himself from his own humanity and embrace his tyrannical nature without remorse or guilt. By physically transforming himself, Jack further reinforces his role as a dictator, using his appearance to intimidate and control those around him.

In conclusion, Jack's character in Lord of the Flies embodies the traits of a dictator, as he seeks power, control, and dominance over the other boys on the island. Through his formation of a separate tribe, his desire for leadership, his use of fear and intimidation, and his transformation into a savage, Jack establishes himself as a dictatorial figure. This analysis of key quotes highlights the implications of Jack's dictatorship, emphasizing the loss of civilization, the exploitation of power, and the destructive nature of unchecked authority. Golding's portrayal of Jack serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the dangers of succumbing to the allure of power and the devastating consequences that follow.

References

Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. Faber and Faber, 1954.