In addition, Ralph and Jack are connected through a love/hate relationship that neither one of them understands, a link Ralph thinks of as “an indefinable connection” in Chapter 12. They began on the first day with the glamour of a new friendship; “They were lifted up: were friends.” Golding’s use of the phrase “lifted up” to describe their friendship implies that a partnership between the humane and the bestial components of humanity can result in great things. Yet the two forces must remain in balance to produce positive effects. The conflict on this island begins with Jack attempting to dominate the group rather than work with Ralph to benefit it. For his part, Ralph remains so focused on promoting a sense of order that he overlooks the boys’ desire for food more substantial than fruit. Because Ralph so strongly identifies with the civilized part of himself, he cannot understand how Jack can live so far within his animal side. Once Jack makes an attempt on Ralph’s life, however, appreciation for each other’s perspectives is rendered moot as Ralph becomes re-classified as prey rather than as another human being.
Evil has triumphed: Spirituality, creativity, and religion went with the demise of Simon; intellect and reason die with Piggy; and rules, authority, and tradition are destroyed with the conch.
