What were Ralphs internal and external conflicts?
mrerick Teacher High School – 12th Grade eNotes Editor Ralph is one of the most complex characters in this novel. Internally, he struggles between his accepted leadership and his actual age. As the elected leader, he feels the responsibility of both keeping them together as a civilized society (hence his attempt at shelters, bathrooms, etc.) and of getting them rescued (his obsession with the fire). However, as a kid, he envies the other boys, Jack especially, because of their ability and willingness to shun responsibility and just have fun. This is seen most pointedly during his argument on the mountain with Jack after they missed their chance to be saved the first time. Ralph’s external battles are mostly related to that same idea. He fights (physically, mentally, and emotionally) with Jack about what the boys should be doing. He recognizes Piggy as an outsider and pokes of him for that. He also must defend his actions against all of Jack’s tribe once they abandon reason. Ralph has s
