Rivalry In Lord Of The Flies Essay Sample

As individuals in the world, it is in our nature to compete against each other. Growing up, we develop strengths that differ between each of us. Tending to arise in a competition for success over one another. Such as between siblings, peers, sports teams, etc. Although does one perform better when competing or collaborating? This is a debatable topic, but there may be a more suitable answer. To which one may be more essential when attempting to reach an end goal.

As we read in class, “The Lord of The Flies,” showed us how the boys developed their teamwork and how that soon turned into a competition. Firstly, the boys crashed on the island, stumbling upon each other, to then form their group. Continuing with the establishment of set rules of how they would contribute to the group as a whole. Cooperation is essential when attempting to complete a task in a group. The social structure of the group would be easily manipulated, then subsiding when losing this cooperation. To possibly cause the boys to disassociate and bring competition upon one another. The boys all brought different assets to the group, to which they were split up into their own roles of how they would contribute. The main takeaways were to hunt and manage the fire, but also to look after one another. Their end goal was to keep the fire going at all times so it could be used as a signal fire for help. Their collaboration was quite impressive at the start but soon declined as the book went on.

Eventually, tension built up between the boys, especially over who the leader should be. Ralph, already being the set leader, was having his leadership challenged by Jack. Ralph showed great leadership qualities, from respecting each of the boys, and keeping them in check, to staying focused on their end goal. While Jack just desired the power and the idea of dominating the group. As soon as Jack feels the need to challenge Ralph’s capabilities as a leader, is when the group starts to divide in their unity. As soon as the boys trickled over to Jack’s side, is when they started to go back to their old ways. This was the downfall of the group and distorted their concentration on what they were there for. This challenge for the power to be in charge is an example of how cooperation and collaboration are much more effective than the competition. When collaborating, it is easy to stay focused and reach an end goal rather than fighting ur way to it.

I agree that in the end, collaboration is efficacious and productive compared to competition. There is only so much that can be done when one is always in competition for success. Competition does raise individuals' motivation, making one think and act to be better, smarter, stronger, and faster. Though, when working with one another I feel like there is more ability to produce greater effective outcomes. At the same time, these can also be used together. Where there is competition there is collaboration, such as sports teams. I have been on many teams with many teammates, and I can say that without teamwork, there are no results. Having the drive and desire to use both as one, makes the results much greater in impact. I love to compete, and that is why I have participated in sports my whole life, but it is always better when using both together rather than separately.

Overall, I believe that if there were one suitable answer, it would be collaboration. Although, channelling both together is powerful for an end goal as well. In “The Lord of The Flies,” we saw how the success declined once Jack challenged Ralph’s leadership. The group of boys had a well-set foundation of rules and where they wanted to end up. The work ethic was much greater and focused when working together. Which, all fell apart once the competition was brought into the picture. If there is an end goal to be reached, collaborating is the most productive way to seek effective results.