Chapter 11

“What d’you mean by it, eh?” Said the chief fiercely. “What d’you mean by coming with spears? What d’you mean by not joining my tribe” The prodding became rhythmic. (p. 182)

This quote is Jack talking to Sam and Eric about joining his tribe. After Ralph’s tribe confronted Jacks tribe about getting Piggy’s glasses back and fire. This confrontation turned into violence and eventually Piggy’s death. At this point in the book Jack is in full control of the island. He has almost all the boys who are stuck on the island in his tribe and is therefore respected by all of them. Jack has much control over his tribe and can easily make them do anything he asks promptly. As Jack realized the boys would do what he says he began to abuse this power. All of the young innocent boys have been turned into bloodthirsty savages. Since the boys have all seen what Jack is capable of they are scared of him and know that if they do not obey him their life is in jeopardy. As Jack recruits more boys to his tribe its is seen that he believes he can do anything he pleases including stealing Piggy’s glasses and Ralph’s fire. Jack becomes carried away by the fact that he can control everyone and shares that sense of power with his tribe leading to excessive violence started by his tribe. When Roger launches the large boulder over the cliff its out of shear anger and the feeling of great power. At the end of this chapter the author refers to Jack as “chief”. This further shows the complete power shift from Ralph to Jack. Throughout the book he slowly gains this control until he has received full recognition as chief of the islands.

In chapter 11 Ralph’s tribe is furious with Jack and his tribe. Jack has stolen the tribes fire and Piggy’s glasses and Ralph wants it all back because it was not the right thing for them to do. Ralph gathers his tribe and tells them to bring spears because of Jacks reputation with violence. When they arrive Jack and his tribe refuse to return what they have taken and Ralph and Jack get into a fight. As this occurs roger launches a boulder onto Piggy, who can barely see, ultimately killing him. Soon after Ralph, furious, leaves and Jack captures Sam and Eric trying to force them to come to his tribe.