In Chapter 11 of Lord of the Flies, the two boys who engage in a direct fight are Jack and Ralph.
This confrontation represents the culmination of the escalating conflict between the two main leaders on the island, symbolizing the clash between savagery and civilization. Their face-off is a critical moment that determines the future power dynamics among the stranded boys.
The Confrontation at Castle Rock
The fight between Jack and Ralph occurs when Ralph, accompanied by Piggy, Samneric, and others, goes to Castle Rock to confront Jack's tribe. Ralph's primary objective is to demand the return of Piggy's stolen glasses, which are essential for survival.
The sequence of events leading to their physical altercation includes:
- Verbal Challenge: Upon Ralph's arrival, Jack immediately confronts him, commanding him to leave his camp.
- Demand for Justice: Ralph counters by demanding that Jack return Piggy's glasses, highlighting Jack's act of theft and the necessity of the glasses.
- Physical Attack: The intense verbal exchange quickly escalates when Jack initiates a physical attack on Ralph, leading to a full-blown fight between the two.
This violent confrontation underscores the complete breakdown of any semblance of order or civilized behavior among the boys and the triumph of Jack's aggressive, primal leadership.
| Character | Role in the Fight | Underlying Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Jack | Initiator of the attack; leader of the savage tribe. | Represents primal instinct, tyranny, and chaos. |
| Ralph | Defends himself; elected chief representing rescue. | Represents order, democracy, and civilization. |
The fight is a pivotal moment, showcasing the island's descent into lawlessness and the final, irreparable schism between the two factions of boys.
