Lord of the Flies Theme of Power

Power is often a source of violence in Lord of the Flies. The desire for power breaks down the boundaries set by rules and order, causes strife and competition, and governs the actions of many of the boys on the island. Once achieved, power has the ability to either improve or corrupt its holder. Ralph, the more noble of the two leaders on the island, is bettered by his position as chief; whereas Jack, the usurper, abuses his power for personal gain.

1. Why do the boys follow Jack’s lead more readily than they do Ralph’s? How are Jack’s power tactics different than Ralph’s?
2. What’s the point of having power anyway? For Ralph? For Jack? For Roger?
3. Ralph seems to realize that with the power of being chief comes responsibility. Does this mean Jack, by not taking real responsibility, isn’t actually chief?

Lord of the Flies shows that brute force is the most corrupt type of power.

In Lord of the Flies, the desire for power is the force that disintegrates the boys’ group.