Ralph

• represents order and civilisation; Golding uses him to show a practical and rational approach to problems

  at the end of the novel, Ralph is the least changed having not descended into savagery: he is the only one to communicate at all coherently with the naval officer

  Ralph is an easy character to emphasise with, as he seems ordinary. Golding makes him a sympathetic character as it is usually his view that is presented sympathetically in the novel- this shows that Golding views him as admirable
• is inherently good, fights to maintain civilisation and order

  is initially introduced as the "golden boy" which opens a semantic field of goodness and purity

  "I'm chief because you chose me and we're going to keep a fire going" ---> democracy, prioritising the link to civilisation
• The conch: acts as an extension of Ralph and empowers him, acts as a symbol of purity, authority and civility.
• Ralph has thought the signal fire, a symbol of civilisation, was the only way to lure the rescuers to the island --> shows unity on the island through coordinated efforts

  Ironically, although its a fire that lures a boat to the island, it isn't ordered or controlled and was solely set to kill Ralph and any last remaining sense of civility --> unordered savagery

  These parallels implies the two are closely connected, and blurs the line between civilisation and savagery
• "The skull regarded Ralph like one who knows all the answers and won't tell." --> Captures a sense of eerie wisdom and silent mockery emanating from the skull. The skull- a symbol of the primal evil and savagery, seems to hold the key to understanding the darkness within human nature and the events that have transpired on the island

  However it remains silent offering no insight to Ralph, who is desperately trying to make sense of the chaos around him

  The skull's gaze symbolises a deep, omniscient understanding of thee intrinsic capacity for evil. Underscores theme of lost innocence.
• "Lying there in the darkness, he knew he was an outcast." --> "darkness" = the inherent evil and savagery that has consumed the island.

  Ralph's awareness of this evil surrounding him underscores his alienation from the others who have embraced their primal instincts. Ralph retains his connection to civility, which further isolates him in a world now dominated by chaos and brutality.

  "darkness" = profound sense of isolation and despair --> clear understanding of his predicament

  also represents the loss of innocence: Ralph is an outcast where innocence has been overshadowed by evil.
• "The boy with fair hair" --> connotation of inherent goodness, Ralph's initial introduction. He is then repeatedly called "the fair boy", serves as his identity

  this physical attribute can symbolise initial innocence and civilisation. In chapter 10, Ralph is described as having a "shock of yellow hair" (contrasts against his initial virtuous image); and in chapter 10 it described how Ralph "would like to have a pair of scissors and cut this hair... cut this filthy hair right back to half an inch" --> growing hair is symbolic of the breakdown of law and how far they are from civilisation
• "The fair boy" --> aligns with his initial role of order and rationality, he appears to embody the democratic process by which he was chosen as leader: his nickname carries a symbolic weight, representing the initial hope for order, morality and civilisation on the island
• "there was a mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaimed no devil" --> inherent goodness and purity to his character

  Also aligns with the his initial portrayal of Ralph as a character untouched by darker instincts: symbolises his pure intentions and genuine desire to maintain order and civilisation on the island

  emphasises the absence of evil and malevolent intentions; contrasts him against other characters

  however could also serve as a form of foreshadowing, and opens a theme of evil

  
  

  acts as a manifestation of his moral compass, and desire to maintain principles of order
• -represents the desire for order, leadership and the rule of law --> believes in the power of the conch as a symbol of authority and regularly calls meetings to maintain a sense of structure and organisation on the island

  -throughout the novel, Ralph is in conflict with the emerging forces of savagery and anarchy- and instead focuses on the signal fire and building shelters --> has a strong desire to be rescued: his commitment to maintaining a signal fire symbolises his connection to the outer world
• Is presented as

  -charismatic

  -moral (attempting to do what he feels is "right", and Golding has him referring to the values and moral codes of English society "like in school"); understands they must act altruistically

  -impressionable --> when he goes hunting with Jack, he quickly becomes frenzied like the rest of Jack's tribe. Needs constant reminding from Piggy to maintain order, and becomes swept up in the ritualistic frenzy during Simon's murder

  -reflective --> acknowledges his part in Simon's murder, and understands the "darkness of man's heart" at the end of the book
• "I can't think. Not like Piggy."