What is a leader? In times of crisis the ultimate survival of a group depends on the leader, or person who steps forward to take control, direct others, and maintain order. Although in today's society people are judged based on their appearance, looks have no influence on whether or not a person is capable of being a successful leader. Instead, good leadership is based on the individual skills and traits that the person possesses. The character of Piggy in William Golding'sLord of the Flies is a perfect example of a person who may not be the best looking physically, but who despite this has the right qualities to be an excellent leader. Piggy is by far the smartest person in the group, as well as the most patient, and the most rationale. It is these three traits that define him as the best leader for the group.
Piggy is undoubtedly the most intelligent person in the group. Intelligence is a key characteristic of a good leader. If a leader is not smart and able to make good decisions then the group will not survive. Piggy displays his intelligence various times throughout the novel, one of which is during the chaotic time when the boys have recently seen "the beast." The boys believe that there is a "beast" stationed on top of the mountain, making it impossible for them to light the fire. All of the boys, aside from Piggy, give up and figure that they will never be rescued because they can't light the fire. "We've got no fire. That thing sits up there-we'll have to stay here,"(29) Ralph said, giving up hope before he even took the time to try and solve the problem. It is only Piggy who remains focused and makes the suggestion of moving the fire by the campsite."We got no fire on the mountain. But what's wrong with a fire down here? A fire could be built on them rocks. On the sand even. We'd make smoke just the same,"(29)he calmly states because "only Piggy could have the intellectual daring to suggest moving the fire from the