Compare and contrast the characters of Ralph and Jack. How does their characteristic dictate leadership styles?

Both Ralph and jack have some authority in their lives .Ralph has been brought up with his father who is a commander in the navy so Ralph does have some authority in his life also. He would have to do more work as his father would not be at home that often. (p19 ‘’daddy thought me. He is a commander in the navy”). Jack is head boy and chapter chorister so he has a position of authority at school. (p29 ‘’I’m chapter chorister and head boy”).

  Jack and Ralph have different leadership skills jack tells people what to do [dictator]. (p26 ‘’ choir stand still’’ p54 ‘’so you shut up’’). But Ralph asks for everyone’s opinion {democracy} .(p43 ‘’I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak’’). This also shows order as only one person speaks at a time but every one gets a say. The other boys like Ralph because  he says things to make them feel better (p49 ‘’ so you see sooner or later we shall be rescued’’ ,‘’they liked and now respected him’’) he makes them feel happy. But Jack says upsetting things (p28 ‘’shut up fatty’’) which shows from the start to the boys that he is not a friendly character.

Ralph will get most of his ideas off Piggy. An example of Ralph stealing ideas off piggy is (p22 ‘’Ralph we could use this to call the others’’) and then Ralph uses it to call the others.

 When he gets a chance Jack will also use Peggy’s ideas  to get respect (p49 {Ralph}-‘’we must make a fire’’ {jack}-‘’jack clamord among them come on! Follow me!’’).

 Jack is also arrogant as he thinks highly of him self (p28 ‘’why should I be Jack I’m merridew’’).  This shows the name he wants to be called by the other boys, being his surname, seems at once to be a more superior and more formal name than that used by the other boys . A name which demands to be respected by the other boys rather like School teachers who are always called Mr Surname.  

This proves that both Ralph and jacks leadership skills work. Ralph try’s to make life better for the group but Jack is too determined. Jack gets carried away with one thing and does not set a good example. Jack is also a bully but Ralph try’s to be every ones friend. Ralf asks opinions before making decisions so sets a good example. Jack has a dictator style of leadership based on him telling the boys what to do and expecting it to be done without question while Ralph has a more democratic style of leadership where the boys follow his commands because almost everyone in the group has agreed before hand that this is the best way to get something done and are happy to allow Ralf to organise them and will follow his example.