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Lord of the Flies Power Quotes Page 3
Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
- Jack
- >
“I painted my face – I stole up. Now you eat – all of you – and I –“ (4.191)
Jack tries to gain authority by giving the others meat. This is the only way he can derive power.
Jack’s face swam near him.
“And you shut up! Who are you, anyway? Sitting there telling people what to do. You can’t hunt, you can’t sing –”
“I’m chief. I was chosen.”
“Why should choosing make any difference? Just giving orders that don’t make any sense –” (5.238-241)
Democracy has no value for Jack. His ambition blinds him to the point where he sees no “sense” in Ralph’s grounded and reasonable orders.
- Ralph
- >
Something deep in Ralph spoke for him.
“I’m chief. I’ll go. Don’t argue.” (6.155)
When Jack painted his face, we saw that “the mask compelled” the boys to obey. Here, too, it is not Ralph, but rather “something deep in” him that speaks. For better or worse, both boys are affected by their roles as leaders.
