Words Which Paint Ralph As An Animal Being Hunted
Introduction
The character of Ralph from William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, is often depicted as an animal being hunted. Throughout the novel, Ralph is consistently pursued and threatened by his fellow stranded boys, who have devolved into a state of primal savagery. This article will explore the various words and phrases used to describe Ralph in this context, and how they contribute to the overall theme of the novel.
The Hunt Begins
From the very beginning of the novel, Ralph is portrayed as a hunted animal. When he blows the conch to gather the other boys, he is described as being "like a conductor" (Golding 16), trying to corral a wild and unruly orchestra. The boys are immediately drawn to his leadership qualities and the sense of order he brings, but this also makes him a target for those who seek power and control.
As the story progresses, Ralph's position as leader becomes increasingly precarious. When Jack and his hunters start to prioritize hunting over the need for shelter and rescue, Ralph becomes the primary obstacle to their desires. He is often described as being "on the run" (Golding 70) or "fleeing" (Golding 117) from the hunters, who are more interested in tracking and killing pigs than in maintaining the fragile society they have built.
Ralph's Descent into Savagery
As the novel progresses, Ralph's situation becomes increasingly dire. He is constantly on the defensive, trying to protect himself and the other boys from the growing threat of violence and chaos. In many ways, he is becoming more animalistic himself, as he is forced to rely on his instincts and physical prowess to survive.
At one point, Ralph is described as being "like a hunted animal" (Golding 152), as he tries to evade the hunters who are pursuing him. This image of Ralph as prey is reinforced throughout the novel, as he becomes more and more isolated from the other boys and more vulnerable to their attacks.
The Final Hunt
The climax of the novel is the final hunt, in which the hunters pursue Ralph through the jungle with the intention of killing him. This scene is filled with vivid images of violence and brutality, as the boys have fully embraced their primal instincts and are no longer capable of reasoned thought or empathy.
Ralph is described as being "like a wild boar" (Golding 199), as the hunters close in on him with their spears and knives. He is forced to flee deeper into the jungle, where he is eventually rescued by a passing naval officer. The final image of Ralph in the novel is one of complete exhaustion and despair, as he realizes the true nature of the boys he has been stranded with.
Conclusion
The theme of Ralph as an animal being hunted is central to the overall message of Lord of the Flies. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, William Golding portrays the descent of human beings into savagery and the loss of civilization and morality in times of crisis. By the end of the novel, Ralph is no longer a boy but a hunted animal, struggling to survive in a world that has become completely alien to him.