Character: Ralph

At the start of the novel, Ralph is elected as the leader of the boys due to his charisma, good looks and his possession of the conch shell.
Ralph tries to establish order and maintain a democratic rule, contrasting with Jack’s autocratic style. He lays out plans for shelter, fire and maintaining hygiene.
Despite his initial enthusiasm for adventure, Ralph quickly realizes the severity of their situation and the need for civilised behaviour to ensure survival and rescue.
Ralph represents civilisation and order, a standpoint that gradually becomes less appealing to the other boys as their primitive instincts begin to overpower.
He clings onto the thought of being rescued and this becomes his driving force, the fire being a significant symbol of his hope and reliance on the world of adults.
Ralph’s association with the conch shell, a symbol of order and democratic power, highlights his belief in fair governance and respect for rule.
As the novel progresses, Ralph’s power and influence wane. He struggles to contain the growing savagery in some of the boys, particularly Jack.
The more Jack’s power grows the more isolated, frustrated and desperate Ralph becomes, showing the increasing struggle between savagery and civilisation.
Ralph’s eventual descent into savagery during the novel’s climax, where he takes part in the hunt and the killing of Simon, demonstrates Golding’s view of the fragility of civilised behaviour.
Even though Ralph maintains his moral compass longer than the rest, his final breakdown illustrates a loss of innocence and implies that everyone has inherent evil that can surface under certain circumstances.
Ralph’s failure to maintain his leadership in the face of Jack’s tyranny reflects Golding’s pessimistic attitude towards human nature and its susceptibility to savagery.