The Older, The Wiser.

"By now, Ralph had no self-consciousness in public thinking but would treat the day's decision as though he were playing chess. The only trouble was that he would never be a very good chess player."


( Golding 117 )

Towards the end of Chapter 7 of The Lord Of The Flies by William Golding, the fans of the book can find the quote to the left. The narrator states the quote after Ralph decides to go with Jack on a mission to find if this "beast" the twins say to have seen is true or not. Jack manipulates Ralph into doing what he wants him to do by pressuring him and questioning his authority. I chose this quote because it reveals the human side of Ralph. The quote makes his character more believable, universal, and most importantly young. The quote contains a metaphor which has the symbolic meaning which implies Ralph is not a good leader. 

Analysis: The questioning of Ralph's leadership skills by the narrator brings our attention to the lack of control and consistency Ralph has over the whole situation. Golding has reveal deep insight into Ralph's character and has made it more real, since a young child would not be a great leader anyway. It showcases his young innocence and immaturity. Also the metaphor of Ralph never becoming a chess player brings out the level of complexity being the leader of this kids has been for Ralph. A chess players have a lot of concentration and intelligence, which are two traits that come with age so Ralph's lack of these characteristic is understandable.