English 10
Block D
BPhilen
TTJ: Character Introduction
In this passage of “Lord of The Flies”, William Golding uses tone and intense imagery to characterize Jack. “Their bodies from throat to ankle were hidden by black cloaks which bore a long silver cross on the left breast and each neck was finished off with a hambone frill…the boy who controlled them was dressed in the same way though his cap badge was golden.” (19) This description of Jack is important because it represents his significance in his group and foreshadowing the role he plays on the island, a leader with dominance. He has a gold badge because he is the leader of the choir back home and still maintains order on the island. “When his party was about ten yards from the platform he shouted an order and they halted, gasping, sweating, swaying in the fierce light. The boy himself came forward, vaulted on to the platform with his cloak flying,” (19) Imagery in this quote is used to show the nature of Jack’s authority among his peers and confidence in his role as leader. “Inside the floating cloak he was tall, thin, and bony; and his red hair beneath the black cap. His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness.”(19) Golding’s description of Jack’s features shows us that his personality burns through to his looks, giving off a serious and irate figure that influence his interactions with other characters in the book. “Out of this face stared two light blue eyes, frustrated now, and turning, or ready to turn, to anger…The group of boys began to scatter from close line. The tall boy shouted at them. “Choir! Stand still!” (19-20) The tone of the first sentence shows the uneasy anger that Jack contains within his character. His voice shows ferocity in his instructions and the way he keeps discipline in his group. The tone of Golding’s description is significant because it displays Jack’s character when first introducing him and gives a more riveting start