Jack Merridew Lord Of The Flies

The name Jack began to appear in medieval times as a derivative of John. Since then it has only grown in popularity all around the world. However, in 1940’s England Jack was much less common than it’s proper form, John. So why did author William Golding name his antagonist “Jack Merridew” in his award-winning novel, “Lord of the Flies”.  The pale boy with freckles and fiery red hair uses the fear of the younger boys to create his own society of savages on the island. The characterization and name of this character create a subconscious feeling about the character before you get to know them. This is particularly significant in the case of Jack Merridew. This character is the becomes the embodiment of his name, both first and last, and mirroring

several historical figures from Great Britain with the same name.

At the beginning of the novel, Ralph is elected leader of the boys and holds this power democratically, weighing everybody’s opinions. As time goes by Jack becomes more desperate and descends away from the civilized power, eventually, he creates his own tribe on the other side of the island and recruits all the boys to hunt for meat, and throw grand parties and feasts. The name Jack means “God is gracious”, or “Supplanter”.  The boys view Jack as a god, at the feast he is “painted and garlanded” (135). He addressed the boys as if he is above them while speaking he “rose from the log that was his throne” (136). Jack demonstrates his godly powers by offering his followers meat and fruit and taking care of them as long as they obey his orders and never question his authority. Jack also fulfills the second meaning of his name. Supplanter most often refers to a ruler and originates from the verb to supplant or to overthrow. The

conflict between Ralph, a more democratic leader, and Jack increases as time progresses. Jack finally reaches his breaking point and lashes out at Ralph. Consequently, he decides to go off on his own and informs the others that “‘Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too’” (116). After this event more and more boys leave Ralph’s group and begin to follow Jack. This becomes particularly clear when the boys start to refer to Jack as Chief. They answered to his every beck and call with no explanation as to why. Roger speaks excitedly after the chief requests to tie up and punish Wilfred, and Robert asks “‘but didn’t the chief say why?’ ‘I never heard him’” (145).  Jack successfully takes all power from Ralph leaving him helpless and alone. He undermines the authority of Ralph and unseats him as leader of the island.
    The last name Merridew has a meaning quite similar to that of Jack.

It is derived from the old Welsh name Morgetiud, the first portion meaning “pomp and splendor”, and the ending meaning “lord”.  The parallel meaning between Jack’s first and last name is not what makes this character choice so interesting. Jack is one of only two boys on the island whose last name is mentioned. When we first meet Jack, he is a very proper boy and leader of the choir. He calls the other boy’s names “‘Kids’ names’” and complains “‘Why should I be Jack? I’m Merridew’” (20). Jack goes by his last name because he believes he is superior to other boys, and it is a symbol of his higher class. It could also be said that going by his last name mirrors many historical leaders. It is commonly perceived that “Lord of the Flies” is allegorical for WWII. Jack is thought to be representative of Hitler, and the fact that he originally goes by his last name is highly supportive of this theory.  Moreover, the idea of a leader going by their last name does not strictly pertain to Hitler. Many rulers and presidents only go by last name, therefore the fact that Jack was given a last name may simply signify the qualities of a leader in him, good or evil. Just like in a history class we study the leaders who were successful in conducting their people even in ways considered unethical. Jack was successful in creating a working tribe, although his actions could be viewed as inhumane, while Ralph tried to do what

was right but ultimately failed.
    There are only a few Jacks in British history pre-WWII, so it is not coincidental that the few people sharing this name are similar to Jack in some way. One example is Jack the Ripper, an infamous serial killer in the Whitechapel district of London around 1888. This murderer killed his victims by slitting their throats and then cutting open their abdomen to remove organs, similar to gutting a pig. When the boys kill their first pig Jack “‘Cut the pig’s throat” (63). To roast and eat a pig you must also remove the organs, a style of killing that quite eerily echoes that of Jack the Rippers. Another historical Jack from England is Jack Ketch, a barbaric executioner hired by King Charles II. He is most famously known for his botched and brutal execution of Lord Russell where he was not able to instantly kill the victim, merely causing excruciating pain with each blow until he succumbed to a slow death. The slow and painful death is comparable to the death of Simon. Simon was killed by “the tearing of teeth and claws” (139).  He was killed by bare hands, causing him severe pain. Lastly, this King of England’s name is not Jack, rather John, however, the likeness between the two is undeniable. King John was angered when he was not named the heir, just as Jack was upset when he was not elected chief. The King tried to seize power from his nephew, resembling Jack’s plot to overthrow Ralph. Additionally, King John’s unwillingness to cooperate with others led to a war, mirroring the war between Jack’s tribe and Ralph by himself.  
    At first glance, it may seem that a character’s name was chosen randomly and no thought was put into it, but with further analysis, it is quite obvious that authors do not take this choice lightly. William Golding put careful consideration into the names of not only Jack Merridew, but all the characters in this novel. Jack reflects the meaning of his first and last name, the power of using his last name, and the historical significance of his name astonishingly well. This effort and thought greatly impacts how we view a character and their effect on us. The idea that Jack reflects his name also insights wonder that maybe subconsciously every one of us reflects our name in one way or another.