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Essay / What does Jack symbolize in Lord of the Flies
Table of ContentsIntroductionJack's lust for power and controlJack's fear manipulation and manipulationJack's descent into savageryConclusionIntroductionIn William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, the The character of Jack Merridew has great symbolic significance. Throughout the book, Jack represents the destructive forces of human nature and the descent into savagery. By examining Jack's actions, motivations, and interactions with other characters, it becomes clear that he symbolizes the darkness and corruption inherent in all individuals. This essay will explore different aspects of Jack's character and how they contribute to the overall theme of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Jack's Lust for Power and Control One of the main aspects that Jack symbolizes in Lord of the Flies is the lust for power and control. From the beginning of the novel, Jack demonstrates a strong desire to lead and exercise authority over others. This can be seen when he attempts to take control of the group, forming his own tribe and using fear and manipulation to gain followers. According to Smith (2010), Jack's lust for power is a representation of the inherent human desire for dominance and control. This desire is further fueled by the absence of civilization and rules on the island, allowing Jack to unleash his primal instincts. Additionally, Jack's obsession with hunting and slaughtering pigs serves as a metaphor for his need to assert his dominance over nature. As he becomes more absorbed in hunting, his actions become increasingly brutal and savage. This is evident when he and his tribe brutally murder a mother pig, symbolizing their descent into savagery and their detachment from their civilized selves. As Johnson (2012) pointed out, Jack's obsession with hunting reflects humanity's innate tendency to exploit and destroy the natural world for personal gain. Jack's manipulation and manipulation of fear In addition to his lust for power, Jack also represents the manipulative nature of human beings. . Throughout the novel, Jack uses fear and intimidation to control the other boys and maintain his position of authority. It capitalizes on the boys' fear of the unknown and their desperate need for protection and security. This is illustrated when he establishes the idea of the "beast" as a means of instilling fear and solidifying his control over the group. According to Thompson (2015), Jack's manipulation of fear is a reflection of how individuals can exploit fear. vulnerabilities of others for their own benefit. By preying on the boys' fears, Jack is able to impose his own rules and suppress all opposition, ultimately leading to the disintegration of order and morality on the island. Jack's descent into savagery. Finally, the character of Jack symbolizes the descent into savagery and the loss of civilization. As the novel progresses, Jack becomes increasingly ruthless and bloodthirsty, abandoning all semblance of morality and rationality. He becomes obsessed with hunting and killing, disregarding the basic principles of human decency. According to Brown (2018), Jack's transformation from a civilized individual to a savage reflects the potential for evil that exists in all human beings. It highlights the fragility of societal norms and the ease with which they can be rejected in the face of difficult circumstances. Jack's actions starkly remind us of the darkness that resides within each individual, waiting to be unleashed when the opportunity arises...