Character Analysis of Jack in Lord of the Flies

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Questions and Answers

What did Jack shout that caused others to halt?

He shouted an order and they halted, gasping, sweating, swaying in the fierce light.

What did Jack say to Fatty?

'You're talking too much,' said Jack Merridew, 'Shut up, Fatty'.

How is Jack physically described?

Tall, thin and bony with two light blue eyes, frustrated now, and turning, or ready to turn, to anger.

Why does Jack think he deserves to be a chief?

Because he can sing a C sharp and was chapter chorister and head boy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jack say about the next time the pig escapes?

Next time, there would be no mercy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jack do to start a signal fire?

He forcefully grabbed Piggy's glasses. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jack believe about rules?

He believed we’ve got to have rules and obey them; after all, we're not savages, we're English and the English are best at everything. Signup and view all the answers

How was Jack described in an animalistic way?

Dog-like, uncomfortably on all fours yet unheeding his discomfort, he stole forward. Signup and view all the answers

What fascination developed in Jack regarding pig hunting?

[Jack] tried to convey the compulsion to track down and kill that was swallowing him up. 'I thought I might kill.' Signup and view all the answers

What did Jack do when he was described as having 'painted faces and long hair'?

[Jack] began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling. Signup and view all the answers

What did the mask allow Jack to do?

The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

How did the hunters feel after killing a living thing?

They had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will on it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jack's initial reaction to the idea of a 'beastie'?

There aren't any beasts to be afraid of on this island... Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies! Signup and view all the answers

How did Ralph offend Jack?

By calling his hunters boys armed with sticks. Signup and view all the answers

What did Piggy realize about insulting Jack's tribe?

It is dangerous to insult Jack's tribe. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jack assert his authority?

He tells his hunters that he's 'going to be chief'... Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Jack's attempt to oust Ralph?

The humiliating tears were running from the corner of each eye. 'I'm not going to play any longer. Not with you.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Jack's association with 'id' and the primitive signify?

He takes the other boys with him to 'hunt and feast and have fun'. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jack demonstrate his leadership when providing meat?

He sat like an idol, painted and garlanded. Signup and view all the answers

What savage ritual did Jack initiate?

Do our dance! Come on! Dance. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jack feel after attacking Ralph's camp?

He was a chief now in truth. Signup and view all the answers

What epithets were used to refer to Jack and his regime?

The Chief, the tribe, the savages. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the power balance after the conch was destroyed and Piggy was dead?

There isn't a tribe for you anymore! The conch is gone! Signup and view all the answers

How did Jack attempt to kill Ralph?

By hurling a spear at him viciously, with full intent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jack's Character Development

Jack displays authoritative behavior from the beginning, asserting commands and causing others to halt in fear.
His initial reaction towards Piggy highlights his bullying nature and need for dominance on the island.

Physical Descriptions

Jack is characterized as tall, thin, and bony with light blue eyes that transition from frustration to potential anger.
His background as a choir leader and head boy contributes to his initial belief that he should lead the group.

Hunting and Primal Instincts

After a failed hunt, Jack expresses a ruthless determination for the next encounter, promising "no mercy."
His fascination with pig hunting reveals a growing obsession with primal instincts, hinting at the struggle between civilization and savagery.

Transformation through Masks

The symbolic use of face paint liberates Jack from societal norms, allowing him to embrace his savage instincts without shame.
His exhilaration from the kill indicates a shift to a more primitive lifestyle, celebrating domination over other life forms.

Leadership and Conflict

Jack challenges Ralph's authority, dismissing the need for order and rules, instead emphasizing a desire for freedom from civilization.
Insults towards Jack trigger aggressive responses, indicating the fragile nature of alliances and power within the tribe.

Ritualism and Savagery

Jack fosters a culture of violence and savagery, seen in the later rituals that culminate in Simon's tragic death.
He reinforces his power by providing food, positioning himself as a figure of worship among the tribe.

Climax of Violence

The narrative pivots dramatically as the conch is destroyed and Piggy is killed, signifying the complete erosion of order and the consolidation of Jack's power.
Jack's attempts to kill Ralph underline the extreme measures taken as savagery overshadows all remnants of civilization.

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Description

Explore the complex character development of Jack in 'Lord of the Flies'. This quiz delves into Jack's authoritative behavior, primal instincts, and transformation through masks, revealing his struggle between civilization and savagery. Test your understanding of his role in the novel and how it reflects on human nature.