In William Golding's classic 1954 dystopian novel of survival on a deserted island, a group of British school boys find themselves marooned without adult supervision. Of these boys, two stand out. Throughout the novel they are in constant battle for leadership of the group. Ralph, however, clearly demonstrated that he is a better leader due to his leadership style, level of intelligence and capacity for empathy. .
Ralph demonstrates a superior level of leadership compared to Jack. Ralph know what needs to be done and takes control when things are not going according to plan. When the boys had gone out of control, Ralph stepped up and said "We need an assembly. Not for fun, or for cleverness. Not for these things. But to put things straight." (Golding 84) Ralph also demonstrates leadership by making rules. He states, "Because rules are the only thing we've got." (Golding 99) Ralph is aware that the rules he made will help to keep the group organized, sane and controlled. On the other hand, Jack lacks the ability of leadership and did not care about the rules. When Jack states "Bullocks to the rules!" (Golding 99)Throughout the novel Jack started multiple conflicts as a result of jealously over power. Jack kept interrupting and did not obey and broke all the rules Ralph made to help the boys. .
One of the rules Ralph made was whoever had the conch had the power to speak. When Piggy had the conch , Jack also made a very selfish act. He left Ralphs group, forcing the boys to choose between Ralph and himself. He told the boys "I'm going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do come." (Golding 140) Jack was not willing to negotiate or compromise with his terms and proved to be stubborn. Ralph clearly demonstrates better leadership skills then Jack throughout the novel Lord of the Flies. .
Ralph demonstrated empathy which Jack did not possess, Ralph worked towards the betterment of the boys' society.