Ralph is the elected leader of the group of boys and symbolically represents civilization and democracy throughout the novel. Ralph's main concern is on establishing a civil society that is focused on being rescued. His number one priority is maintaining the signal fire at all times so that passing ships will rescue the boys. Ralph openly opposes Jack and his hunters as they gradually descend into savagery. At times, Ralph is depicted as a concerned, conscientious leader, who is focused on the other boys' well-being. Other times, Ralph is portrayed as an immoral savage, who enjoys inflicting pain on the other boys. The following quotes illustrate Ralph's complex nature and depict his two contrasting personalities.
In chapter 5, Ralph holds an assembly to discuss why the boys have been neglecting their responsibilities. This quote portrays Ralph as a responsible, rational individual, who wishes to cultivate a civil environment. Ralph says,
"The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don't keep a fire going? Is a fire too much for us to make?...Look at us! How many are we? And yet we can't keep a fire going to make smoke. Don't you understand? Can't you see we ought to—ought to die before we let the fire out?...You hunters! You can laugh! But I tell you the smoke is more important than the pig, however often you kill one. Do all of you see?...We've got to make smoke up there—or die" (Golding, 61).
Despite Ralph's civil, rational personality, there are times that he is depicted as an absolute bloodthirsty savage. In chapter 7, Ralph participates in his first hunting expedition and almost kills a pig. Jack and his hunters immediately begin chanting and form a circle around Robert, who acts like a pig. Golding depicts Ralph's primitive nature by writing,
"Ralph too was fighting to get near, to get a handful of that brown, vulnerable flesh. The desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering" (88).
These two quotes depict Ralph's complex nature. Overall, Ralph is a civil individual who is inherently primitive at times and has a tendency to act like a savage when participating in thrilling rituals and activities.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
What quote from Lord Of The Flies depicts Ralph being complex?
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