Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, tells the story of a class of boys that survived a plane crash and are now marooned on an island. During the course of the week my class has read the first chapter of this book, where Golding meticulously describes the characters. Golding goes deep into symbolism and diction in order to give his readers the perfect representations of his characters. Golding shows contrasts between some characters foreshadowing later conflicts but also shows major similarities between others. The first two appearing characters are Piggy and Ralph who both are intensely different. Piggy is very gauche and wants to get off the island immediately while Ralph seems to be gregarious, a natural leader and is in no hurry to be rescued. Piggy is fat and clumsy while Ralph is skinny and fit. Ralph who is on the left and Piggy is on the right and the differences are clear. As Piggy and Ralph walk down the beach they find a conch shell and Ralph summons them by blowing threw it already showing himself as a leader. Golding gives Ralph the feeling of a natural leader not someone who necessarily wants it. In today's world there are the people who want power and those who are asked to step up and take it. Our country has been going through some difficult times especially in the area of economy. Several new candidates have stepped up to run as the new president as another election gets ready to come around the corner, these candidates are a mixture of these two classes. The other boys immediately select Ralph as their leader over Jack another competitor. Jack is one of those people who craves power. Although there are obvious differences, Jack has an instinct for cruelty and domination while Ralph was chosen by others to be leader there are also some undeniable similarities. They are both fit and smart and both seem to lead the group of boys together.
Piggy is one of the people that follows the leader and although he speaks quietly is smart and can contribute. Golding instantly makes him out to be a social outcast, although he likable he is an instant target for mockery. In the begging of the book he begs Ralph not to tell the others to call him Piggy so that he might have a chance to live a role different than he did at school but Ralph almost instantly tells the whole group to call him that. Piggy already experiencing ignominy calls Ralph on his cruelty and Ralph carefully evaluates the situation through a leaders eyes as though he is already calculating his options in addressing Piggy without losing face to the group, again a natural leader.
Golding through appearances, mannerisms, speech, and motivation carefully shapes each character. Piggy the follower, Ralph the leader and Jack the want to be leader all play crucial parts in this book from their own various angles. Golding has created a masterpiece of art.
