What Does Jack Think Will Make Him A Better Hunter

What Does Jack Think Will Make Him a Better Hunter? A Deep Dive into Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies, William Golding's chilling novel, presents a compelling study of human nature, savagery, and the loss of innocence. While the novel focuses on the descent into primal chaos, it also offers a nuanced exploration of individual characters' motivations. This article delves deep into the character of Jack Merridew, analyzing his evolving understanding of hunting and what he believes will make him a more effective predator. We'll explore his psychological shifts, his evolving tactics, and the ultimate consequences of his pursuit of hunting prowess.

The Initial Appeal of Hunting: Status and Power

Initially, Jack's interest in hunting stems from a desire for status and power. He’s a choirboy, accustomed to a structured environment and a certain level of authority within that structure. However, on the island, this authority is challenged. Ralph, elected chief, embodies order and reason, a stark contrast to Jack's more impulsive and primal nature. Hunting provides Jack with an immediate outlet to assert his dominance.

The Hunt as a Ritual

The initial hunts are clumsy and largely unsuccessful. However, they serve as a ritualistic performance, solidifying his position within the growing faction of boys who gravitate towards his charisma and rebellious spirit. Each successful kill, no matter how small, reinforces his authority. The act of hunting, even more so than the kill itself, becomes a display of strength and skill, enhancing his image among his followers. This early stage demonstrates Jack's belief that successful hunting = increased social standing.

The Evolution of Jack's Hunting Philosophy: From Skill to Savagery

As the boys' descent into savagery progresses, so does Jack's understanding (or rather, misunderstanding) of what constitutes effective hunting. His initial efforts are characterized by a lack of strategic planning, relying more on brute force and impulsive aggression. This changes, though, as he sheds the remnants of civilized behavior.

The Shift from Cooperation to Ruthlessness

Jack's early attempts at hunting involve a degree of cooperation with Ralph and the other boys. He tries to integrate hunting into the larger societal framework of the island. However, this collaborative approach fails to yield the consistent success Jack craves. He begins to see the limitations of collective efforts and adopts a more ruthless and individualistic approach. He believes that cooperation hinders the efficient pursuit of prey, sacrificing speed and effectiveness for the sake of collective decision-making. This marks a significant shift in his thinking: he concludes that solo hunting, characterized by swift action and decisive violence, is far more effective.

Embracing Ritual and the Supernatural

As his hunting skills improve, Jack integrates increasingly ritualistic elements into his practice. The painted faces, the tribal dances, and the savage chants all contribute to a heightened sense of power and group cohesion. These rituals aren't just for show; they are integral to his hunting philosophy. They foster a state of heightened excitement and aggression, pushing the boys beyond the limits of rational thought. Jack believes that by tapping into this primal energy, he can become a more effective and almost supernatural hunter.

Mastery of Technique and Strategy

While initially relying on instinct and brute force, Jack gradually develops a rudimentary understanding of hunting techniques. He learns to exploit the terrain, to utilize camouflage, and to predict the movements of his prey. This improved understanding of strategic hunting is crucial in his later hunts. His hunting parties become more organized, demonstrating improved teamwork albeit within a fundamentally brutal context. This suggests that Jack's understanding of what makes a better hunter expands beyond mere brute strength to include a certain degree of strategic planning and tactical awareness. However, this acquired skill is ultimately warped by his increasing savagery.

The Dark Side of Jack's Hunting Ambition: The Dehumanization of Prey and Hunter

The true horror of Jack's transformation lies not merely in his improving hunting skills, but in the dehumanization that accompanies it. He shifts from viewing the pigs as animals to viewing them as objects of hatred and violence. This dehumanization extends to the other boys as well, particularly those who stand in the way of his ambitions.

The Piggy Incident: A Turning Point

The murder of Piggy represents a horrifying culmination of Jack's hunting philosophy. The act isn't just a violent crime; it's the ultimate expression of his belief that ruthless brutality is the only way to achieve dominance. Piggy, representing intellect and reason, is seen as an obstacle to the primal, savage world Jack is creating. His murder demonstrates that Jack no longer sees any value in cooperation or reason. His hunting has become a means to an end—the establishment of total control through fear and intimidation. The efficient hunter, in Jack's twisted logic, is one who eliminates all opposition.

The Loss of Humanity

Jack's obsession with hunting ultimately leads to the erosion of his humanity. He becomes consumed by his primal instincts, losing sight of compassion, reason, and any sense of moral constraint. His belief that a better hunter is one who embraces pure savagery and eliminates any sense of civilized restraint is tragically realized in the novel's climax. The island becomes a battleground for his hunting philosophy, ending with the symbolic destruction of the remnants of civilization and order.

Conclusion: The Tragic Paradox of Jack's Pursuit

Jack's belief about what constitutes a "better hunter" reveals a tragic paradox. While he does improve his skills, mastering hunting techniques and developing a degree of strategic thinking, his pursuit of hunting prowess ultimately leads to his downfall and the destruction of his own humanity. He mistakenly believes that ruthlessness and savagery are the ultimate paths to success, forgetting that true strength lies not in dominance over others, but in self-control and the recognition of shared humanity. Jack's story serves as a chilling cautionary tale, showing how the unchecked pursuit of power can lead to moral corruption and catastrophic consequences. The question of what makes a good hunter is ultimately far more complex than Jack's simplistic understanding ever allows him to comprehend.