Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism in 'Lord of the Flies'
I can describe how Jack is presented as the antagonist in the novel.
Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism in 'Lord of the Flies'
I can describe how Jack is presented as the antagonist in the novel.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Jack is the novel's antagonist because he opposes Ralph both personally and politically.
- Jack arguably represents dictatorial leadership and savagery.
- Jack creates and maintains a culture of fear and intimidation, which gives him power and authority.
- Jack repeatedly undermines Ralph, Piggy and the rules of the conch, showing his lack of respect for democracy.
- Jack's devotion to barbarism and savagery illustrates the great cruelty and wickedness man is capable of.
Keywords
Antagonist - a character who opposes the protagonist
To manipulate - to control or influence someone so that you gain an advantage, often in a dishonest or immoral way
Egomaniac - someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want
Dictatorial - typical of a ruler with total power
Barbarism - the absence of civilisation/ the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality
Common misconception
Pupils often think that the island turned Jack into the cruel and bloodthirsty leader he is by the end of the novel.
From the very beginning, Jack was characterised as unpleasant and egomaniacal. He treats the choir terribly in the first chapter. Jack arguably always had the traits of a dictatorial leader. The island has exacerbated these traits, not created them.
Equipment
A copy of the Faber & Faber 1997 edition of 'Lord of the Flies' is essential for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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