Question

the pulse of power. both ralph and jack make attempts to assert their power in this chapter. list and detail three things each of them does in order to show their power. what response do they get from each of these actions (positive or negative)?

Explanation:

This analysis is based on William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Ralph’s actions center on upholding civilization and rescue, earning mixed support as order breaks down. Jack’s actions exploit primal desires and fear, gaining growing loyalty as the group rejects societal norms. Each action’s response reflects the boys' shifting priorities between civilization and savagery.

Answer:

1. Ralph's Actions & Responses:

• Action 1: Insists on maintaining the signal fire on the mountain.

Response: Positive from the boys who fear being stranded; negative from Jack and his hunters who prioritize hunting over the fire.

• Action 2: Calls formal assemblies to establish rules and discuss group needs.

Response: Initial positive respect as he upholds order; later negative as boys grow restless and ignore his authority.

• Action 3: Confronts Jack about his hunters abandoning their fire duty.

Response: Tense, defensive pushback from Jack; some boys side with Ralph’s focus on rescue, others align with Jack’s defiance.

1. Jack's Actions & Responses:

• Action 1: Leads hunting trips and brings back meat for the group.

Response: Positive admiration from many boys, especially the hunters, who value food and excitement over rescue.

• Action 2: Uses fear of the "beast" to rally boys to his side.

Response: Positive loyalty from boys who feel protected by his aggressive stance; negative skepticism from Ralph and Piggy who see it as manipulation.

• Action 3: Abandons Ralph’s camp to form his own tribe focused on hunting and violence.

Response: Positive mass defection of most boys who crave freedom from rules; negative rejection from Ralph, Piggy, and Simon who cling to civilization.