"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a novel that demonstrates the everlasting conflict between good and evil in human beings. In this book, goodness is associated with civilization and the desire to live by the rules whereas evil is associated with savagery and the quest for power (sparknotes.com) Throughout the novel, Ralph (whom represents the good side) is at a constant battle with Jack (who represents the bad side) in the attempt to overcome his cruel and malicious ways. One can easily distinguish the good side from the bad through their contrasting tactics, regulations and personalities both politically and spiritually. There are times, however, when Ralph is dominated by his savage instinct but in the end, he battles the evil forces and brings the good forces to an ultimate victory. .
Both Ralph and Jack at some point in the novel give into one another's force. Jack, in the beginning, is still dominated by the good side when he is unable to kill the pig when he had a chance too. This shows that he is still civilized because he is afraid to kill another living thing which is a bad deed. One can also see that Jack was civilized at one point because he was willing to contribute to their society by leading the choir in a hunt for food. Ralph also at some point in time let the evil forces take over and become like Jack. When he receives the opportunity to kill a pig, he is overwhelmed by the thrill and takes part in the dreadful re-enactment of the hunt which almost leads to the killing of a boy named Robert. Ralph also participated in the killing of Simon. Tortured by the feeling of guilt, Ralph goes as far as to lie to himself and convince himself that he was not there.
Though they share several similarities, their personalities and the way they act when they become chief are very distinct. Jack, for instance is very self-centered and inhumane. During the first assembly, Simon faints while he is in line with the other choir members.