Chapters 1 - 3

Through the first three chapters, the characters of the book “Lord of Flies” are revealed to us gradually. These characters have bonded together after some sort of crash or accident, where only these kids are left. The first thing I notice about these characters is that they are generally outgoing. After a crash where you do not know where you are and do not know who everyone is, it is reasonable to assume that they would be shy, timid, and/or scared. But these characters bond together and start to get a group going to help each other and survive. Ralph, the designated leader is very outgoing, as we learn from the very beginning as “he leapt back on the terrace, pulled off his shirt, and stood there among the skull-like coco-nuts with green shadows from the palms and the forest sliding over his skin. He undid the snake-clasp of his belt, lugged off his shorts and pants, and stood there naked, looking at the dazzling beach and the water”(Golding 4,5). Here Ralph is, standing naked, with piggy close-by, as they go looking for more kids. If I was on a strange island with strange kids, I do not think I would be stripping down in front of them. That goes to show what the environment and atmosphere is like on the island. It is hot, and the kids can do what ever they want. I find it surprising that the kids would actually think to create a gang and work together at their young age. Ralph really shows leadership in how he initiates the meetings with the conch shell and takes control by making decisions. Jack also shows good leadership. I see Jack and Ralph working well together for the good of the kids. Piggy rather seems like the kid everyone is going to make fun of, and will always want to do something, but no one will listen. There are many differences between all the characters, but the same goal is shared, which I think is quite helpful for the benefit of the group to survive.