What has Ralph failed to recognize in Jack’s response to situations and in his treatment toward Piggy?

Question

Lord of the Flies Novel by William Golding

Answer 1

I think the biggest thing that Ralph fails to see is that Jack is probably as scared if not more than most of the kids there.

When Ralph gets on Jack about letting the fire go out, Jack seems genuiniely upset until Ralph keeps pushing him and Jack becomes defensive.

Remember that Jack could not bring himself to kill the first pig he encounters, making excuses for his actions, and is very excited when he does finally kill a pig. This is a turning point in Jack's "coming of age." He must brag about his killing the pig to keep the focus away from the fact that he wasn't really a killer (and if you notice, he never does any of the killing, he only inspires others to do it (specifically Roger).

Psychologically speaking, bullies often taunt others because they feel something lacks in their own character, and by making fun of others, they can boost their own moral. When Jack calls Piggy, "Fattie" he is doing just that - again, showing that he is scared (of the others seeing him as weak or otherwise).

Jack is most comfortable when others follow him (fear of being alone), so he follows Ralph's rules at first ("Yes", he says, "We need proper rules."), but as he starts to gain a following, he sees that he can leave and others will go with him.

The most obvious show of fear is when he, Ralph and Roger taunt each other into finding the "Beast." When they do encounter the man in the parachute & Jack leads the rush down the mountian screaming in fear.

Ralph fails to see that Jack is truly frightened to be on the island, and that all of his responses hint at hm trying to cover up that fear.