Exploring chapter 3 and the ways in which it portrays the changing nature of Ralph and Jacks relationship.

Essay on jack and Ralph in Chapter 3

Exploring chapter 3 and the ways in which it portrays the changing nature of Ralph and Jacks relationship. Concentrating on what we learn about the characters themselves through the dialogue between them, how Golding’s use of language is significant in describing both characters and what connection this has with other key features in the novel.

A lot of information is discovered about Jack and Ralph just through the dialogue between them in previous chapters the characters have experienced a strong friendship but also a sense of tension at various intervals. The fact that both individuals have the same kind of desire for leadership has been the main friction point in their relationship, in chapter 1 Jack is desperate for the vote to take the role of leadership in their new society, however Ralph gets voted leader and has the power over Jack. Jack is not used to this kind of power over himself by another individual, however, as the novel proceeds it is clear that some sort of negotiation is made between the two characters due to their bond and friendship in which they have gradually formed. The dialogue in which is encountered between Ralph and Jack during the first 3 chapters reveals a sufficient amount of information about themselves “get my clothes” is a classic example of Ralph taking immediately to the role of leadership and proves he has power by shouting his orders to other people, however we also discover that jack is eager to be the one in control and appears to be a very challenging person he overrides Ralph’s attempts to pursue his role and do it well and takes over many times. We can tell through dialogue that neither boys will step down from a moment of tension and will do everything they can to override each others intended authority,” And another thing. We ought to have more rules.” They also have a tendency to undermine each other.

We know that both characters have similar features in their personality. They can both be very intimidating “ Piggy opened his mouth to speak, caught Jack’s eye and shut it again.” This shows that the other boys further down in authority are intimated just by his visual significance. Both characters have proven to be very good at the leader role; however, they are also constantly in some kind of competition with each other. They have also proved that they can be sympathetic to the “littluns” and sympathetic to each other in many ways. They have formed a strong bond, which ...

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The fact that these particular characters have previously experienced a fair amount of tension, but also go through phases of good intense friendship may influence and effect some of the problems the whole society continuously encounter. From chapter 3 you begin to see the friendship develop between the characters. The fact that they are themselves around each other and express their true opinions in meetings shows they are comfortable to put across ideas without feeling intimidated by each other. They also regularly go through phases where they have disagreements and tension builds up dramatically this proves that their friendship can survive through all situations as they always reflect on how the problem can be resolved and possible solutions to the aspect in which they are disagreeing on.

The fact that Jack has a more violent side to him and that Ralph’s priorities are based on basic survival, creates that tension between the characters too. Jack is focused on hurting and killing pigs and is determined to do so “But I shall! Next time! I’ve got to get a barb on this spear.” This substitutes the constant violence Jack is focused on. Ralph responds to this with antagonism “We need shelters” referring to reality and a much more sensitive suggestion which does not reflect the violence in which Jack interprets. “I thought I might kill” is a further comment Jack says. On this occasion Ralph becomes quite challenging which is obviously caused by antagonism he has with Jack’s approach to survival. Jack continues to ensure Ralph that he will kill and repeatedly informs Ralph of his unsuccessful attempt. This begins to irritate Ralph who replies to Jack’s “I thought I might” referring to killing the pig, by saying “But you haven’t yet” substantiated by Golding emphasising the irritation shown by Ralph’s undertone. Golding states, “Now the antagonism was audible.”

The particular section at the beginning of Chapter 3 shows the tension between the characters; however, Ralph has the maturity to defuse the situation and calms it down by referring back to a playful gesture by rolling on his stomach and “began to play with the grass.”

Just before this defusion of the situation Jack’s anger shines through “Suddenly Jack shouted in rage” referring to Ralph’s accusations in which Jack obviously does not agree with.

Ralph being the optimist of the pair manages to lighten spirits between them and return to their agreements and friendship. They obviously realise that they are the individuals who have to stay of the strongest team to get the boys further down in authority through it. They are the leader and the next person down in society; therefore they have to work as a team to keep the deterioration of society to a minimum.