Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
In 'Lord of the Flies', is Jack evil?
Position‹2 of 2

Jack is not evil in Lord of the Flies

This position holds that Jack in Lord of the Flies is not truly evil. It argues that his behaviour is a reaction to extreme circumstances — frustration at being passed over for Ralph's leadership, and a savagery born of the psychological strain of trying to survive while stranded.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. He was only frustrated because of Ralph's leadership
    He knew he could lead the group, but his main downfall was attempting to dominate the group rather than working with Ralph to lead. He felt his hunting skills made him a better leader compared to Ralph, and maybe if he was appointed chief from the beginning, the following events could have panned out differently.
  2. His savagery developed because he was trying to survive
    His character develops from being a reasonably good boy that was once a choirmaster into one who begins to have a distorted sense of reality on the island. His character shows what happens if the rules are taken away. Honestly, Jack is an example of the little savage in all of us.