Ralph Characterization

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Recommended: Civilization and savagery in Lord of the Flies

Characterization is a literacy device used to help the reader decide whether or not they should like or hate a character. In the novel “Lord of the Flies” author William Golding uses this device to help support the theme people rely on civilization to maintain order and avoid savagery. Ralph was the leader of the survivors on the island; with the help of his friends he was able to create a society with rules. Jack is a reckless boy that only wants the title of chief to order others, being glad there are no adults to order him around. Roger is one of the boys one the island that never truly had a civilized side to him, making it easy to allow the savage to let loss.
Golding’s theme of people relying on civilization to avoid turning savage can be seen throughout the novel as the character Ralph. In the novel Ralph represents reason and order. At the beginning Ralph is able to become leader and create goals to capitalize on surviving and being rescued. But, as the story progresses and he starts losing control what he had and stood for is taken from him. Ralph is one of the few characters to understand savagery exists in everyone. While he understands savagery exists he is determined to prevent it from overcoming him. But, when Ralph hunts a pig for the first time he experiences the excitement and joy of savagery and violence, "I hit him....and the spear stuck in a bit!"(Chapter 7?). While Ralph tries to avoid his savage side from taking over, he cannot deny himself the feelings he come upon. When Ralph attends Jack’s party he becomes distracted. Being overwhelmed by the chaos Ralph follows his base instincts of savagery and becomes lost in the mob mentality. He takes part in the killing of Simon, “And look, Ralph,’ Piggy Glanced rou...

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...ressed by the civilized society, “Roger sharpened a stick at both ends.”(211). Now allowed to truly express himself, Roger sharpens his stick at both ends signifying the boys no longer have a civilized side and have truly become savage. It is evident that the twins, Samneric, fear both Jack and Roger. They dislike Jack for his way for leadership and fear Roger for his sociopathic nature. When the twins find Ralph they tell him what has happened, along with how they feel about Roger, “You don’t know Roger. He’s a terror.’‘–and the Chief–they’re both–’ ‘–terrors.’‘–only Roger–” (210). Though the twins are afraid of both Jack and Roger, it is truly Roger they fear the most. While Jack still has a civilized side because he is leader, Roger has no commitment and is willing to go to extreme measures without regrets. evil that exists within him, as within all human beings,

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