Insightful notes to Ralph from Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Perfect for revision and notes can be used within essays and homework. Notes completed by A* student from the Manchester Grammar School.
Ralph is a central character in William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies". He is one of
the main leaders of a group of boys who become stranded on an uninhabited island
and must survive without adult supervision.
• Ralph is initially depicted as a responsible and level-headed character who is
chosen as the leader of the group because of his charismatic and confident
personality.
• Throughout the novel, Ralph struggles to maintain order and civilization
among the boys, and becomes increasingly disillusioned with their descent
into savagery.
• Ralph represents the idea of civilization, order, and democracy, as he tries to
establish a sense of community and establish rules for the boys to follow. He
is often in conflict with Jack, who represents the aggressive and destructive
aspect of human nature.
• Despite his good intentions, Ralph is unable to effectively lead the group and
maintain order. This is due to a lack of support from the other boys and the
emergence of Jack's violent and tyrannical leadership.
• Ralph is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the boys' original purpose on the
island. He continues to advocate for rescue and the need for a signal fire, even
as the other boys become increasingly savage and uncivilized.
• Throughout the novel, Ralph faces many challenges and obstacles, including
being hunted by Jack's tribe and feeling a sense of guilt and powerlessness in
the face of the chaos and violence around him.
• Despite these challenges, Ralph remains a moral and ethical character who is
committed to doing what is right. This is demonstrated by his refusal to join
Jack's tribe and his efforts to maintain a sense of civilization on the island.
• In the end, Ralph is rescued and represents the survival of civilization and
order, even in the face of violence and chaos.
Ralph's character serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of leadership and
the fragility of civilization. Through his experiences on the island, Ralph illustrates the
difficulties of maintaining order and morality in the absence of external authority and
structure. At the same time, his commitment to doing what is right and his struggle
to maintain a sense of civilization serves as a reminder of the importance of morality
and ethics in even the most challenging of circumstances.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller cooperc120808. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $6.60. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
