Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies Essay Arthur Golden wrote “Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” Adversities are unavoidable, and when they arise; people may not know how to handle the difficulties they are faced with. While in the middle of misfortunate situations, certain individuals reveal their true character and qualities they have that would not be present in normal circumstances. In the novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, Golding suggests that people’s true characteristics and qualities are revealed when faced with adversity. In the beginning of the novel Jack Merridew is seen as just another young and regular boy, with the characteristics of a natural leader. He itches to be chief of the boys, and does not enjoy not having complete control over everyone but is willing enough to go along with the group. Because of this, Jack relies on his status as leader of the choirboys to justify his authority.
“The freckles on Jack’s face disappeared under a blush of mortification. He started up, and then changed his mind and sat down while air rang.” Golding pg. 19
By this quote, it is obvious that Jack was frustrated and embarrassed that he was not elected chief, but was not willing to make a scene or go against the majority of the group. When Jack’s first opportunity comes to kill a pig, he could not bring himself to follow through with it.
“They knew very well why he hadn't: because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood.” Pg. 29
Jack still had some innocence in him, and more importantly, a fear of killing. His hesitation shows that he could not actually bring himself to kill the pig; scared of what it meant or what would happen if he did. After this hesitation, for which he is most ashamed, Jack's bloodlust grows more and more irrational. Although his way of behaving