What Makes a Leader- Lord of the Flies

As Israelmore Ayivor once said, “A true leader is a person whose influence inspires people to do what is expected of them to do. You cease to be a leader when you manipulate with your egos instead of convincing by your inspirations.” This quote is a demonstration of the two distinct types of leadership, each of with are furthermore demonstrated by Jack and Ralph in The Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A crowd of boys is stranded on an island without a guide to lead them. They must create a civilization and what better way to do that, then have a strong leader? Among the group of boys, two of the most tenacious are Ralph and Jack. The inspiring leader that is looked up to is Ralph and the leader who manipulates the boys is Jack. The difference between the way these two boys lead tribes ranges from a determinative way to a deranged way of leadership. Manipulation and effective leadership are two qualities in a leader that greatly vary like ying and yang. Manipulation is done by tricking and using emotional tactics, while effective leadership is to listen to everybody's opinions and act maturely.

A leader who can think two steps ahead of a situation and handle a disagreement by being a mature is an assured effective leader. Ralph, who is eulogized by the boys, is a very practical and a trustworthy leader in the book. He is elected as chief because of his obvious diplomatic ruling skills and this upsets Jack. Immediately sensing the predicament that may occur with his natural leadership skills, “Ralph looked at him, eager to offer something.“The choir belongs to you, of course.” (Golding 23) and gives Jack the role of being in charge of the hunters. Jack and Ralph smile[d] at each other with shy liking" (Golding 23). This is Ralphs first impression on the boys, exemplifying himself as a leader. They saw him as a young man who was socialized and civilized beyond maturity levels for his age. Ralphs mannerism towards the boys is an excellent example of an effectual leader.

Some may argue that an effective leader constantly listens to everybody's opinions and makes sure they are all acted upon. However, an effective leader is truly someone who listens, but chooses. Ralph exhibits this when he uses Piggy's glasses at the beginning of the book to make a rescue fire. “My specs!” howled Piggy. “Give me my specs”Ralph stood away from the pile and put the glasses unto Piggys groping hands.” Ralph does this, because he knows that even though Piggy is upset about his glasses being used, the rest of the group will benefit from doing it. Ralphs proves that his leadership is indeed effective by undertaking this task.

An example of a manipulative person, is one who uses conspiracy to get their way.

This definition is clear when it is compared to Jack Merridew. Jacks manipulative character, gains power by playing with the emotions of the boys and leading them to events which will only benefit himself. This occurs when SamnEric are tending the fire, "Jack rushed toward the twins. 'The rest of us are making a line. Come on!' 'But-' '-we-' 'Come on! I'll creep up and stab-' The mask compelled them" (Golding 64). Sam and Eric are swindled into the hunt that Jack