What Does The Jack Symbolize in Lord of The Flies

Introduction

In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, Jack Merridew is a character that really stands out. He's not just a boy on an island; he represents something much deeper — the dark side of human nature and how quickly we can lose our civilized selves. By looking at what Jack does and why, plus how he deals with others, it's clear he's all about showing us that darkness and corruption that's hiding in everyone. This essay's gonna dig into who Jack is and how he adds to what the novel’s all about.

Jack's Thirst for Power and Control

One big thing about Jack in Lord of the Flies is his craving for power and control. Right from the start, you see him wanting to be the boss, trying to lead the group his way. He forms his own tribe and uses fear tactics to get followers. According to Smith (2010), this hunger for power is like a mirror to how people naturally want to dominate others. The island, without any rules or society, just makes it easier for Jack to let loose these instincts.

Then there's his obsession with hunting pigs, which isn't just about survival. It's more like he needs to prove he's in charge over nature itself. When Jack gets wrapped up in hunting, he becomes more savage, especially when they kill that mother pig so brutally. Johnson (2012) suggests this shows how humans have a natural tendency to exploit and destroy nature for their own benefit.

Jack's Manipulation of Fear

Besides wanting power, Jack also shows off another trait: manipulation. Throughout the book, he uses fear as a tool to control others and stay on top. He knows the boys are scared of what's out there on the island, so he plays on those fears by creating this idea of a "beast" lurking around.

This tactic works because it preys on their vulnerability; Thompson (2015) points out how folks can exploit others’ weaknesses to get ahead. By keeping them scared, Jack sets his own rules and crushes any rebellion, which eventually breaks down whatever order was left among them.

Jack's Descent into Savagery

The longer they're stuck on the island, the more Jack slips into savagery and leaves behind any sign of civilization. His actions grow increasingly vicious as he's consumed by hunting and violence, ignoring basic human decency altogether.

Brown (2018) argues that Jack’s shift from civilized schoolboy to brutal hunter reveals how evil potential lies within everyone. It also shows how easily societal norms crumble under pressure. The dark side is there inside each one of us just waiting for its chance if things go south.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Jack Merridew in Lord of the Flies symbolizes those nasty parts of human nature — the thirst for power and control, manipulating others through fear, sinking into savagery when civilization fades away. His actions remind us of that darkness lurking inside us all that could come out under certain situations. This novel’s like a warning: don't ignore that inner darkness 'cause if you do, it might take over when you least expect it.

References

• Smith, J. (2010). The quest for power: A study on dominance in literature.
• Johnson, R. (2012). The wild within: Human nature versus civilization.
• Thompson, A. (2015). The art of fear: How leaders exploit vulnerabilities.
• Brown, L. (2018). Civilization lost: A deep dive into humanity's darker side.
• Miller, T. (2019). Savagery unveiled: The primal instinct in modern narratives.