Lord Of The Flies Jack Merridew's Leadership

Machiavellian leadership in Lord of the Flies William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies illustrates fundamental aspects of society and leadership through the politics of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Throughout the novel, the character of Jack Merridew gradually secures authority using various methods described in Machiavelli’s The Prince. Although Jack’s impulsive attitude and juvenile aggression may not obey this approach to ruling, other aspects of his leadership fit well within the system. The character of Jack often employs key Machiavellian tactics to gain and maintain power effectively. While Merridew may not plan his actions or follow the recommendation that “A prince ought to take care that he never lets anything slip from his lips” (The Prince 9), he does use other suggested strategies to claim power. Machiavelli argues that “new Princes…must establish themselves and quickly demonstrate their strength” (TP 9). Jack ensures his dominance by rapidly becoming the main hunter and naturally leads the group when killing pigs. Unlike the other boys on the island, Jack’s boldness helps him gain control. When he first splits off from the group, he states assertively, “We’ll hunt. I’m going to be chief” (Lord of the Flies 146) to the boys that join him. No one denies him power and he successfully wins the group. Additionally, Jack obtains his status by exploiting the children’s biggest fear. Machiavelli “proposes a combination of brute force and
Demonstrating his strength as a hunter and leader, he gains power over most of the children. Although it may not have been planned, Jack completely weakens his rival, Ralph, whilst keeping a good image within his group. Thus, Jack Merridew’s leadership follows many of the recommendations set out by Machiavelli, and effectively rules, however cruel he may