In the book, Lord of the Flies, an island of all boys portrays modern society. On the island, society and sanity diminishes because of different character transformations. One character who is noticeably altered is Ralph. He symbolizes the struggle to choose between war and peace. In the beginning, he helps maintain peace on the island. However, there are temptations on the island that cause him to struggle between keeping the peace and becoming a savage like the other boys. He succumbs to the temptation once and is greatly punished for it.
Ralph begins as the chief and leader of the group of boys. "There was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out: there was his size, and attractive appearance; and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch. The being that had blown that, had sat waiting for them on the platform with the delicate thing balanced on his knees, was set apart." As said in the passage, there is a calm, trusting feeling surrounding Ralph. He appears to be a leading and trustworthy young man. All of the kids felt a feeling of safety towards him. .
During the story, there is always something trying to make Ralph doubt his decisions and leadership. "I ought to give up being chief." Ralph makes this comment after being told that meat is needed more than fire. The boys believe that Ralph should be more of a hunter than a thinker should. This isn't possible for Ralph though. He knows what is needed to allow them to survive and he tries to make sure his ideas are heard.
Near the end of their stay on the island, Ralph is tempted with the ways of the savage tribe. "Piggy and Ralph, under the threat of the sky, found themselves eager to take a place in this demented but partly secure society." Ralph and Piggy surrendered to the urge to fit in, and in doing so caused a major disruption on the island. Simon is killed and Ralph loses control for awhile.
