In
,is disappointed and surprised that he is not the natural choice for leader
and, instead, the boys, stranded on a deserted island, vote foras chief. It is something of a
consolation that Jack, as "chapter chorister" of a group of some of the boys will be
in charge of, as he calls them, the "hunters." Jack does have a respect for Ralph, at
first, although he does regularly challenge authority. Determined to catch a pig, Jack wants to
camouflage himself which disguise gives him an exhilarated feeling to the point where his
laughter is described as "a bloodthirsty snarling." The reader is told that,"Jack
hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness," (ch 4). The reader is thus forewarned
and is being prepared for what may follow as Jack continues to show signs of what lengths he
will go to in order to exert his authority.
is afraid of Jack, who bullies
and makes fun of him. In chapter 5, Piggy who is insightful and intelligent tells Ralph that he
is scared of Jack:
If you're scared of someone you hate
him but you can't stop thinking about him. You kid yourself that he's all right really, an' then
when you see him again; it's like asthma an' you can't breathe. I tell you what. He hates you
too, Ralph-"
As the plot unfolds, Piggy's words
prove to be correct and it is Jack's ability to lead by fear that allows him to form his
"tribe." Jack has his tribe chanting "Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his
blood!" This is the same chant which has the tribe in such a frenzy that they killwithout
recognizing him.
In chapter 11,Piggy will suffer a similar fate at Jack's
hands but, before this, Jack seizes an opportunity to capture Samenric, shouting angrily at his
tribe to "grab them!" It is obvious that they are operating on Jack's
orders:
The painted group moved roundnervously and
unhandily...."Tie them up!"...Now the group... felt the power in thier hands...Jack
was inspired..."See? They do what I want."
Jack
is proud of his "solid mass of menace," and before long, morestrikes as Piggy is
catapulted through the air. He is dead but Jack can only relish his position as the obvious
"Chief," when he says "See? See? That's what you'll get! I meant that!"
Simon and Piggy are both dead and Ralph's life is in danger. Ralph,
especially as he realizes that he will be unable to persuade Samenric to help him create an
"outlaw" tribe against Jack, can only hide away now as Jack seems to become more
powerful as he becomes more savage.
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