Key Events In The Novel Which Relate To Ralph
Lord of the Flies is a novel written by William Golding that explores the story of a group of boys who become stranded on a deserted island. The novel is full of key events that relate to the character of Ralph, who is the protagonist of the story. Here are some of the most significant events:
Ralph is Elected Leader
At the beginning of the novel, Ralph is elected as the leader of the group of boys. This event is significant because it establishes Ralph's role as a leader and sets the tone for the rest of the story. Ralph takes his role seriously and tries to create a sense of order and structure on the island.
The Conch Shell
The conch shell is a recurring symbol in the novel and is used by Ralph to call the boys to meetings. The conch shell represents order and civilization, and Ralph sees it as an essential tool to maintain control over the group. The event of finding the conch shell is significant because it gives Ralph a way to communicate with the group and establish his authority.
The Creation of the Signal Fire
One of Ralph's early initiatives is to create a signal fire on the island to attract the attention of passing ships. This event is significant because it shows Ralph's commitment to getting rescued and his ability to think strategically. However, the signal fire becomes a point of contention between Ralph and some of the other boys, who feel that hunting and having fun are more important than being rescued.
The Emergence of Jack
As the novel progresses, Ralph's leadership is challenged by the emergence of Jack, who is more interested in hunting and having fun than in being rescued. This event is significant because it creates a power struggle between Ralph and Jack, which ultimately leads to the breakdown of order and the descent into chaos on the island.
The Killing of the Pig
One of the key events in the novel is the killing of the pig, which is a turning point in the story. This event is significant because it marks the beginning of the boys' descent into savagery and violence. Ralph is initially reluctant to take part in the killing, but he eventually gives in to the pressure from the other boys.
The Breakdown of Order
As the novel progresses, the boys become increasingly savage and violent, and the order that Ralph has tried to establish breaks down completely. This event is significant because it shows the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can be destroyed. Ralph becomes increasingly isolated and powerless as the other boys turn against him.
The Rescue
The final event in the novel is the rescue of the boys by a passing ship. This event is significant because it brings an end to the chaos and violence on the island and highlights the importance of civilization and order. Ralph is ultimately vindicated in his belief that being rescued is the most important thing, but he has been forever changed by his experiences on the island.
Conclusion
The events in Lord of the Flies that relate to Ralph are significant because they show his development as a character and his struggles to maintain order and civilization on the island. Ralph's journey is a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of leadership and order in society.