ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

Why was the fact that Jack is supposed to be so ugly so significant in the book? Like, surely if he was meant to represent the cruelty and wickedness in this world then he would be represented as the devil. And the devil is supposed to be really attractive, hence the phrase “handsome devil,” like how does that work?

Here are my thoughts (opinion, this is just what I picked up reading the book!): In Lord of The Flies, Jack is known to be very insecure. He resents Ralph for being chosen as leader when he is *clearly* head boy, leader of the choir and can “sing c sharp!” (Clearly he is overqualified!) He paints his face not only to represent his decent into savagery, but also because, as the book describes it, he can HIDE behind this mask, this all-powerful facade, embarrassments and fear of rejection by the group. He seeks to dominate other living things because one, of course it’s impulsive, and if he isn’t able to feed this immediate need, he feels that he is nothing and is angry with himself. It’s been established that Jack is insecure. I merely feel like describing him as “ugly” can only paint another picture of an aspect of Jack that he is insecure about. He’s jealous of Ralph for different, often petty reasons, right? And Ralph is handsome– a glowing, golden boy. Would this contrast between his not-so-pretty looks and Ralph’s good looks not give Jack another reason to envy, even loathe him? Again, just my thoughts!