William Goldings Animal Farm :: William Golding Animal Farm Essays

William Golding's Animal Farm On the first page of the book there is immediately a link to the adult world and the civilization that has been adapted there. There is a reference to the "Home Counties". This shows that already, the writer is telling the reader of the links that may be made throughout the book about the adult world and its comparisons to the life in the jungle. Societies operate in many different ways and there are many factors that influence this fact. In the book Golding tries to highlight what these factors are and how they cause disruption and peace within a society. By approaching this from different angles the reader is able to get a better outline of what Golding is trying to represent and can therefore fully appreciate the wonders of his writings. One of the angles that he approaches the way societies operate from is by using the leader as an example. Throughout the duration of the book there is a feeling of complete rivalry as the two main contenders 'fight' for the right to be the leader of all other boys on the island. Jack and Ralph are constantly attempting to better one anther but in ways that only they can fulfill. In the first chapter of the book the reader sees a very democratic system employed by the boys. This is to elect a leader and therefore a fair vote is counted. Despite this being the fairest possible way of concluding a leader Jack is not at all happy with the outcome. "and the freckles on Jack's face disappeared under a blush of mortification". This shows that Jack expected to be elected as the chief of the group. As Ralph could see that that Jack was upset by the outcome of this election he immediately offered Jack the control of the choir. In foresight this could be one of the worst things that was accidentally and un-intentionally done by Ralph. This is because there is an instantaneous division of the two groups, which later on destroy all form of civilization that has been built. From this initial decision to elect Ralph as the leader there is a bitter rivalry built up between him and Jack Merridew, leader of the choir/hunters. The main reason for this is Jack's jealousy overcoming him. He does not realize that his authority in the adult world does not necessarily transfer onto the island where normal rules do not apply and it is just a matter of survival. Because of this contention between Ralph and Jack matters start to become worse and the whole fiasco spirals out of