Short Essay
Discuss how Ralph changes in the course of the novel and why these changes occur.
Ralph is an English schoolboy who is stranded on an isolated island without adults together with the other boys after a plane crash. He tries to establish a civilised society with rules and order by blowing the conch to assemble the boys. His charismatic nature allows him to be elected the leader.
Ralph’s changes throughout the story can also be reflected by his changing perception on Piggy.
"At the beginning: bullies Piggy
As the story progresses: has become more dependent on logical thinking and is more determined to rebuild the community with the help of Piggy and his rational mind
"Ralph’s perception towards Piggy has changed from an inferior boy with physical illnesses to an intelligent true friend by the end of the story
He has changed from a bully to a mature boy and a responsible leader who understands the need to establish a civilised society with democracy
He relies on Piggy’s reminders and his intelligence to call assemblies and make himself clear->He treasures Piggy and values his opinions
Piggy’s intelligence has a great influence on Ralph (how adults perceive the world)"
Examples: "Exercised verbal violence on Piggy (‘Sucks to your ass-mar/auntie)
Insisted on calling him the name he hates-“Piggy”, laughed at his name
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.”"
"Seeing how savage the boys like Jack and Roger can be while having Piggy as his companion, Ralph realises the need to maintain rational thinking all the time (like Piggy) in order not to degenerate and is therefore, not lured by the temptation of food
More determined to maintain and rebuild the civilised society even though he encounters strong resistance from Jack
Piggy as “role model” as he thinks in a logical manner and has enough knowledge to comprehend how adults’ may think"
"“Piggy could think. He could go step by step inside that fat head of his, only Piggy was no chief. But Piggy, for all his ludicrous body, had brains.” (p.104)
Gathers confidence to go for the last battle with Jack, hoping to redirect the tribe’s goals to being rescued and setting up a fire."
#character: As the story progresses, Ralph becomes more mature and responsible while maintaing a rational mind thanks to the constant reminders from Piggy
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