Chapters 10-12: The Symbol of Fire as Power

As the novel Lord of the Flies came to a close, as a reader, I found that it was almost overly predictable. Ralph, who was deemed the protagonist throughout the book, ended up being proven correct in his constant insistence on having a signal fire. As the boys battle over Piggy’s glasses in order to control the lone source of making fire, fire itself becomes a symbol that represents power. True to the character traits developed earlier in the book, Jack desires to use this power for personal gain and luxuries such as cooking food. On the other hand, Ralph is hoping to use this fire and power to attempt to be rescued. The tension that has built up between Jack and Ralph creates a war of sorts between the two. Nearing the end of the book, Jack has taken almost everything from Ralph: his leadership, and his friends. Ralph’s last advantage over Jack is that he holds fire, a key tool for survival and rescue. As Jack is completely obsessed with overcoming Ralph, he goes after this fire and it becomes seen as a symbol of power. Jack builds himself up as a god and becomes so hungry for power that feels the need to possess everything that he does not have and take away everything from anyone else. Ralph is the lone person to stand up to him and is content with even using his power (fire) in a civilized fashion: to attempt being rescued. An eventual power struggle leads to fire spreading throughout the island and setting all the vegetation on fire. The struggle for power consumed both Jack and Ralph and proved to be too strong of a force to be contained. This fire brought them to a point where it seemed that their demise was inevitable. However, it ended up bringing them rescue. It can be suggested through this that only when power is used for something pure and for the greater good will positive results ensue.