Jack
Extended Character Analysis
Jack is the antagonist of Lord of the Flies. He is set in physical contrast to the attractive Ralph, instead described as tall, thin, and “ugly without silliness.” Jack is the leader of a church choir, and his first appearance establishes his authoritarian approach to leadership: he marches the choir across the hot beach in their heavy robes, which leads Simon to faint. He attempts to convince the other boys that he is the most qualified leader, but he loses to Ralph in the election. Although Ralph attempts to appease Jack by making him the head of the hunters, the seeds of division, jealousy, and hatred are already sown, with Jack undermining Ralph at every chance he gets.
As Jack becomes more obsessed with hunting, he loses sight of the goal of being rescued and instead devotes his time to killing pigs. When challenged by Ralph about his priorities, Jack becomes a demagogue, using fear of the beast to garner support for his causes. Eventually, Jack’s resentment towards Ralph grows to the point where he tries to have the boys vote him chief to replace Ralph. When this fails, Jack splits off to form his own tribe. However, he is not content with having partial power; he sets out to force all of the boys under his control, even if that means torturing or killing them.
Despite Jack’s menacing persona, he also has moments of doubt and weakness. He is humiliated when he loses to Ralph in the election, and he often hesitates in the face of perceived danger. In order to overcome his civilized instincts, Jack takes to wearing fewer clothes and painting his face, obscuring his identity and freeing him from the expectations of the world of grown-ups. By painting his face, he becomes the fearless, conscienceless hunter that he wants to be.
Whereas Ralph represents civilization and order, Jack represents savagery and chaos. He refuses to respect the democratic process embodied by the conch, and he especially hates Piggy, whose rationality and strict adherence to rules stand in direct opposition to Jack’s desire for authoritarian power and ruthlessness. Jack is not a good leader, and his society is not sustainable, as evidenced by his burning down the entire jungle in his attempt to hunt Ralph. However, he has something that Ralph does not: the ability to manipulate fear. His control over the boys is based in his ability to alternately scare them and free them from fear by making them feel powerful. Rather than building shelters and waiting for someone else to rescue them, Jack gives the boys the option to take things into their own hands and carve out a world that they can control.
Expert Q&A
What does the given quote from Lord of The Flies reveal about Jack's character and the theme?
"We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything." (42)
This quote demonstrates that Jack believes that the English are "civilized," thus making the boys' descent into chaos more impactful. Further, this quote shows Jack attempting to regain control over the boys, illustrating his need to be an authority figure.
In Lord of The Flies, what happens when Jack attempts to vote out Ralph as chief?
When Jack asks to vote out Ralph as chief, the other boys reject his blatant power grab. At this stage of the story, they still respect the conch shell and all it represents. Jack storms off in a huff, angry at his public humiliation. But this only makes him more dangerous, as he's now all the more determined to have absolute power for himself.
What is Jack's family history in Lord of the Flies? Who might he write a letter to, and what might he miss about England?
In "Lord of the Flies", Jack's family history is not explicitly provided, but his personality suggests a background where he was revered and given much freedom. This has shaped his entitled, aggressive, and selfish nature. Likely, he would write a letter to his parents, boasting about his hunting skills without revealing his location. While he gives no indication of missing England, it's plausible to assume he might miss certain modern conveniences.
In Lord of the Flies, why does Jack's group honor the beast and mount the pig's head on a stick?
Jack's group honors the beast out of fear, believing that offering gifts like the pig's head will appease it and keep them safe. This act symbolizes their descent into savagery and the abandonment of civility. By honoring the beast, they acknowledge and embrace the primal instincts within themselves, transforming into primitive beings who rely on sacrifices to unknown entities for protection.
What are the three colors of Jack's mask in Lord of the Flies?
Jack's mask in Lord of the Flies features the colors red, white, and black. These colors symbolize his descent into savagery, as the mask allows him to shed his civilized identity and embrace a more primal, violent persona. The stark and frightening colors contribute to the mob mentality among the boys, leading to chaotic and dangerous actions, such as the brutal killing of Simon. Jack's transformation into the head of the hunters signifies a key division among the boys.
In "Lord of the Flies", what does Jack promise to do about the beastie?
In "Lord of the Flies," Jack promises to hunt and kill the beastie if it exists. Despite dismissing its existence initially, Jack seizes the opportunity to assert his leadership and enthusiasm for hunting. He assures the group that his hunters will kill the beastie while they hunt pigs, reflecting his aggressive nature and desire to prove himself through the act of hunting.
Why do the boys refuse to vote for Jack as chief but join him later?
The boys initially refuse to vote for Jack as chief because Ralph, who holds the conch symbolizing authority, provides stability and leadership. Jack's aggressive approach and the reluctance to publicly oust Ralph contribute to their decision. However, as time passes, many boys are drawn to Jack's ability to provide meat and his promise of excitement, leading them to join him later. Jack's leadership appeals to their desire for adventure over the order Ralph represents.
In Lord of the Flies, why can't Jack keep the pig on the spear?
Jack can't keep the pig on the spear because the spear is too smooth and lacks barbs to hold onto the pig's flesh. To solve this, Jack plans to add barbs to the spear, demonstrating his focus on improving his hunting technique. This reflects his growing obsession with hunting and his ingenuity in problem-solving. Jack's determination to improve his spear highlights his increasing bloodlust and priority of hunting over other tasks like building shelters.
Why does Jack's name change in Lord of the Flies?
Jack's name changes from "Jack" to "Chief" in "Lord of the Flies" as a reflection of his transformation from a choir leader to a dominating figure among the boys. Initially seeking authority, Jack becomes increasingly aggressive and power-hungry, using his hunting skills to manipulate others. As he establishes himself at Castle Rock, his new title symbolizes his authoritarian rule and the breakdown of civilization on the island, marked by violence and chaos.
Why does Jack's character in Lord of the Flies turn evil?
Jack's character in Lord of the Flies becomes evil due to the intrinsic nature of human malice that emerges when societal constraints are removed. On the island, without the rules and protections of civilization, Jack's savage instincts are unleashed. His role as chief of the hunters and participation in primal activities, like killing and stealing, allow his inherent violent and jealous tendencies to surface, leading to his descent into savagery and evil.
Quotes from "Lord of the Flies" illustrating how Jack uses fear to maintain power and the boys' fear of him
Jack uses fear to maintain power in "Lord of the Flies" by threatening violence and punishment. He instills fear in the boys through statements like "We'll have rules! Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks 'em—" and by creating a sense of constant danger, making the boys fear the consequences of disobedience and the unknown threats he fabricates.
What causes Jack's transformation in William Golding's Lord of the Flies?
Jack's transformation in "Lord of the Flies" is driven by his unchecked savagery and loss of societal constraints. Initially a domineering choir leader, his obsession with hunting intensifies, culminating in a pivotal change when he paints his face, freeing himself from shame and self-consciousness. This liberation leads to increasingly violent behavior, transitioning from hunting pigs to humans, reflecting Golding's theme of inherent human savagery. Ultimately, Jack becomes a symbol of the darkness within humanity.
How does Jack's character develop throughout Lord of the Flies?
Jack's character evolves from a disciplined choirmaster to a savage tyrant in Lord of the Flies. Initially, he seeks to be seen as mature and authoritative, as seen in his interactions with Ralph. However, as the story progresses, Jack becomes more interested in power and control, ultimately descending into violence and chaos. This transformation highlights his loss of civility and growing savagery, culminating in acts of arbitrary cruelty and tyranny.
Jack's Hesitation and Resolution in Killing the Pig in Lord of the Flies
In Lord of the Flies, Jack's hesitation to kill a piglet in the early part of the novel reveals his initial ties to civilization and societal norms. Despite his bravado, Jack is overwhelmed by the enormity of taking a life and the associated bloodshed. This reluctance highlights the boys' early innocence and conditioning against violence. However, this moment foreshadows Jack's descent into savagery, as he later becomes a ruthless hunter, shedding his civilized inhibitions.
Jack's Use and Abuse of Power in Lord of the Flies
In Lord of the Flies, Jack Merridew's use and abuse of power is pivotal to the novel's exploration of human nature and societal breakdown. Jack initially shows respect for rules but gradually shifts to ruling by fear and violence, appealing to the boys' primal instincts. He gains control by undermining Ralph's authority and forming a tribe based on hunting and savagery. Jack's leadership style involves brutality, as seen when he beats Wilfred without reason and uses fear to manipulate his followers. His power is marked by a rejection of civilization and a descent into anarchy.
Significance and Impact of Jack's Mask in Lord of the Flies
In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, Jack's mask plays a crucial role in his transformation from a civilized schoolboy to a savage leader. Initially used for hunting camouflage, the mask liberates Jack from shame and self-consciousness, allowing his primal instincts to dominate. This transformation is symbolized by the mask's blood-red color and its ability to incite fear and admiration among the other boys. The mask's influence extends to others, like Roger, who also embrace their violent tendencies when hidden behind it, symbolizing the breakdown of societal norms and the rise of savagery on the island.
Jack's weapon in "Lord of the Flies"
Jack's weapon in "Lord of the Flies" is a spear. As the story progresses, Jack and his followers sharpen sticks into spears, which they use for hunting and asserting dominance over the other boys on the island.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.