Yes, Jack does cry in Chapter 8 of William Golding's Lord of the Flies.
A Moment of Humiliation
In Chapter 8, following a pivotal confrontation with Ralph and a failed attempt to challenge his leadership, Jack experiences profound humiliation. This emotional blow is significant for Jack, who often projects an image of strength and control.
After the assembly where he tries to turn the boys against Ralph and seize control, he is met with silence and a lack of support for his coup. Overwhelmed by this rejection, he reacts with intense emotional distress.
Jack's Emotional Outburst and Departure
The text reveals that Jack storms off, deeply affected by the public rejection and his own failed ambitions. His departure from the group is marked by a raw display of emotion: he is described as crying as he makes his exit. This moment is a turning point, signaling his complete separation from Ralph's group and his decision to forge his own path.
Immediately after this emotional outburst, Jack vows to form a new, independent group. He declares that anyone who wishes to hunt can join him, and he then disappears into the dense forest, setting the stage for the creation of his savage tribe.
Event Leading to Crying | Jack's Reaction | Subsequent Action |
---|---|---|
Failed challenge to Ralph's leadership | Humiliation, Crying | Forms his own hunting group |
Rejection by the assembly | Deep emotional distress | Leaves the main group, disappears into forest |
This crying incident highlights Jack's vulnerability beneath his aggressive exterior and serves as a catalyst for the novel's increasing descent into savagery.