Lord of the Flies

Ralph has done all the responsible things as leader yet fails to keep control over the boys. Ralph goes to the beach because he needs a place to think and feels overcome with frustration and impotence. He is saddened by his own physical appearance, which has grown shabby with neglect. In particular, his hair has grown uncomfortably long. He understands the weariness of life, where everything requires improvisation. Ralph decides to call a meeting near the bathing pool, realizing that he must think and must make a decision but that he lacks Piggy's natural intellectual ability. Ralph sees that Jack is much more effective on the boys because he uses fear, intimidation, and easy gratification to garner their support.