Jack Merridew is the main antagonist in Sir William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies. He battled through civilization, morality, and order, even when it resulted in his descent to madness, painting himself dramatically.

Jack notices that his rage elicits respect from the other boys, and for the first time recognizes his lust for power and controlling others. He will learn to use this rage, and the fear it incites, to motivate the boys and inspire their allegiance through the rest of the book.

The strong-willed, egomaniacal Jack is the novel’s primary representative of the instinct of savagery, violence, and the desire for power—in short, the antithesis of Ralph. From the beginning of the novel, Jack desires power above all other things.

Jun 19, 2024 · These Jack Lord of the Flies Quotes With Page Numbers give an in-depth analysis of Jack's character development throughout the novel, "Lord of the Flies."

In Lord of the Flies , British schoolboys are stranded on a tropical island. In an attempt to recreate the culture they left behind, they elect Ralph to lead, with the intellectual Piggy as counselor. But Jack wants to lead, too, and one-by-one, he lures the boys from civility and reason to the savage survivalism of primeval hunters.

Jack’s ability to convince the other boys that the state of bloodlust is a valid way of interacting with the world erodes their sense of morality even further and enables Jack to manipulate them even more. Read more about Jack as antagonist.

When you dive into “Lord of the Flies,” Jack’s character stands out as one of the most complex and compelling. His quotes often reflect the darker side of human nature, revealing the chaos and savagery that can emerge when society’s structures fall away.

The head boy of his chorus back in civilization, Jack becomes the leader of the hunters on the island. Jack loves power. Laws and rules interest him only because they give him the chance to punish the other boys and express his dominance over them.

Jan 22, 2025 · This essay will explore how Jack’s transformation from a disciplined leader to a savage tyrant showcases Golding’s commentary on power dynamics and the inherent savagery that lurks beneath civilized behavior.

Mar 5, 2025 · Jack takes over from Ralph as the boys’ “chief”, ruling through fear and violence; his conflict with Ralph suggests that savagery and individualism are stronger forces than democracy and morality. Why is Jack important?