Jack Merridew

Does this boy contribute in any way to the tragedy on the island?

Jack Merridew speaking to Ralph in the 1990 film adaptation of the novel.

In my opinion, Jack Merridew is the sole largest contributor to the devastating tragedy that occurred on the island. It was his antics, conflicts, and mean-spirited behaviour that brought him to be the leader of the savages and cause copious amounts of trouble. The savage tribe's decisions under Jack's command resulted in the deaths of both Simon and Piggy. It was Jack's constant rumour-spreading about the beast that added the fuel to the fire of the children's fears that caused them to act irrationally murderous and beat poor Simon to death when he emerged from the bush. On the other hand, Piggy's death was caused by a large boulder that was mistakenly released from the top of Castle Rock, after Jack ordered it to be placed there as a defense mechanism.

Could he have acted to prevent any of the deaths?


Yes, I believe that he could have easily negated some of the problems he caused, including the deaths of the two innocent boys. In Simon's case, when the "beast" was brought up in conversation, he could have swiftly and effectively ended the rumours by telling his tribe that there was no such thing as monsters and that they had nothing to worry about. In Piggy's case, all that was required to prevent his death was a little forethought in designing the boulder trap, perhaps make it safer by securing the trigger mechanism.

Working together.

What might I have done differently?


I think that if I were put into Jack's shoes, instead of isolating myself and my choir from the group, I would ask them to help out and try to reach our goal to get rescued. Also, I would try to concede to Ralph's rules and co-operate with him, after all he was the elected leader.