320+ Best Jack from Lord of the Flies Quotes

In William Golding’s classic novel Lord of the Flies, Jack Merridew stands out as a complex and controversial character. His evolution from a choirboy to a ruthless leader reveals much about human nature, power, and control. This blog post dives deep into Jack’s quotes, providing page numbers for context and an analysis of each to understand how his character transforms throughout the novel. 

Whether you’re a fan of the book or a student seeking insight, this collection of Jack’s most significant quotes will provide valuable understanding. Read on to explore these quotes, each illustrating the darker aspects of leadership and the human psyche.

Jack’s Transformation: From Choirboy to Savage🎯 

• “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything.” – Chapter 2, Page 42
• “I ought to be chief… because I’m chapter chorister and head boy.” – Chapter 1, Page 22
• “His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness.” – Chapter 1, Page 21
• “Next time there would be no mercy.” – Chapter 1, Page 31
• “I’m going to split up the group.” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.” – Chapter 4, Page 64
• “Sharpen a stick at both ends.” – Chapter 12, Page 198
• “His laughter became a bloodthirsty snarl.” – Chapter 9, Page 150
• “See? They do what I want.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong – we hunt!” – Chapter 5, Page 91
• “I was chief, and you were going to do what I said.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger.” – Chapter 4, Page 63
• “The conch doesn’t count on this end of the island.” – Chapter 6, Page 98
• “I gave you food and my hunters to protect you.” – Chapter 9, Page 149
• “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “What about the beast?” – Chapter 6, Page 110
• “He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “They had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will upon it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink.” – Chapter 4, Page 67
• “He was the chief now in truth; and he made stabbing motions with his spear.” – Chapter 10, Page 164

 Jack and the Power Struggle🔥 

• “Ralph thinks you’re all cowards, running away from the beast.” – Chapter 8, Page 141
• “I’m not going to play any longer. Not with you.” – Chapter 8, Page 127
• “He says things like Piggy. He isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “Why should choosing make any difference? Just giving orders that don’t make any sense.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “The conch doesn’t count anymore.” – Chapter 6, Page 99
• “Who cares what you believe, Fatty?” – Chapter 5, Page 92
• “We’ll make sure when we go hunting we’re safe.” – Chapter 7, Page 124
• “I’m not going to be part of Ralph’s lot.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “He’s like Piggy. He says things like Piggy. He isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “Who’ll join my group and have fun?” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “Why should I be tied to Ralph’s rules? I’m chief!” – Chapter 8, Page 141
• “He can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next boy on.” – Chapter 7, Page 126
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “I’ve got the conch, and I’ll call an assembly!” – Chapter 5, Page 86
• “The head is for the beast. It’s a gift.” – Chapter 8, Page 142
• “You said Ralph was chief and you don’t know how many we’ve killed.” – Chapter 12, Page 202
• “His voice rose: ‘I’m going off by myself. He can catch his own pigs.’” – Chapter 8, Page 129
• “The hunters followed, wedded to him in the following of rules, chants, and kills.” – Chapter 9, Page 145
• “The air was full of sweat and cries.” – Chapter 9, Page 147
• “He was safe from shame or self-consciousness behind the mask of paint and blood.” – Chapter 4, Page 68

 Jack and Savagery💥 

• “I cut the pig’s throat!” – Chapter 4, Page 70
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “The mask compelled them.” – Chapter 4, Page 64
• “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.” – Chapter 2, Page 42
• “They grinned at each other, fearless faces.” – Chapter 10, Page 162
• “Kill the pig! Cut her throat! Spill her blood!” – Chapter 4, Page 69
• “He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger.” – Chapter 4, Page 63
• “They had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will upon it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink.” – Chapter 4, Page 67
• “He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong – we hunt!” – Chapter 5, Page 91
• “I’m not going to be part of Ralph’s lot.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “His laughter became a bloodthirsty snarl.” – Chapter 9, Page 150
• “Sharpen a stick at both ends.” – Chapter 12, Page 198
• “Next time there would be no mercy.” – Chapter 1, Page 31
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “I gave you food and my hunters to protect you.” – Chapter 9, Page 149
• “His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness.” – Chapter 1, Page 21
• “We’ll make sure when we go hunting we’re safe.” – Chapter 7, Page 124
• “They grinned at each other, fearless faces.” – Chapter 10, Page 162
• “The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.” – Chapter 4, Page 64

 Jack’s Manipulation of Fear🎭 

• “The beast will come in disguise. We can’t leave it alone.” – Chapter 8, Page 134
• “The head is for the beast. It’s a gift.” – Chapter 8, Page 142
• “We’re going to hunt the beast and beat it.” – Chapter 9, Page 147
• “Ralph says the beast doesn’t exist. But I say… otherwise.” – Chapter 8, Page 137
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “What about the beast?” – Chapter 6, Page 110
• “We’ll leave part of the kill for the beast.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “The beast is a hunter.” – Chapter 7, Page 123
• “You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you. Close, close, close!” – Chapter 8, Page 143
• “Fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.” – Chapter 5, Page 82
• “There isn’t a beast! There isn’t any fear!” – Chapter 5, Page 91
• “The beast lay huddled on the pale skin, the moving sea sucked back again over the creature’s head.” – Chapter 9, Page 151
• “It’s the beast that’s to blame!” – Chapter 9, Page 153
• “What I mean is… maybe it’s only us.” – Chapter 5, Page 89
• “We’ll hunt the beast and kill it!” – Chapter 7, Page 129
• “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!” – Chapter 8, Page 143
• “I’m the chief. We’re going to forget the beast.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “The beast isn’t something you can put a face to.” – Chapter 7, Page 123
• “Fear’s going to destroy us if we let it.” – Chapter 5, Page 85
• “They’ve been caught by the beast!” – Chapter 9, Page 151

 Jack’s Leadership Style and Control🪓 

• “He’s not a hunter. He’d never have got us meat.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “I’ll go first, then we’ll hunt.” – Chapter 7, Page 126
• “He isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “He’s just giving orders.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “Who’ll join my group and have fun?” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “We’ll hunt. I’ll be the chief!” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “He can catch his own pigs.” – Chapter 8, Page 130
• “Ralph thinks you’re all cowards.” – Chapter 8, Page 141
• “We’re not going to play any longer. Not with you.” – Chapter 8, Page 127
• “The conch doesn’t count anymore.” – Chapter 6, Page 99
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “See? They do what I want.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “Who cares what you believe?” – Chapter 5, Page 92
• “Ralph says you’re cowards!” – Chapter 8, Page 141
• “He can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way, he’ll hurt the next boy on.” – Chapter 7, Page 126
• “Sharpen a stick at both ends.” – Chapter 12, Page 198
• “Kill the beast! Cut his throat!” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “Ralph is like Piggy. He isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “I gave you food, didn’t I?” – Chapter 9, Page 149

 Jack’s Descent into Violence🏹 

• “Next time there would be no mercy.” – Chapter 1, Page 31
• “I cut the pig’s throat!” – Chapter 4, Page 70
• “Kill the pig! Cut her throat! Spill her blood!” – Chapter 4, Page 69
• “His laughter became a bloodthirsty snarl.” – Chapter 9, Page 150
• “We’ll hunt the beast and kill it!” – Chapter 7, Page 129
• “Sharpen a stick at both ends.” – Chapter 12, Page 198
• “Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong – we hunt!” – Chapter 5, Page 91
• “He made a stabbing motion with his spear.” – Chapter 10, Page 164
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “His laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “The air was full of sweat and cries.” – Chapter 9, Page 147
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “He’s going to hurt you if you don’t stand clear.” – Chapter 7, Page 126
• “The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.” – Chapter 4, Page 64
• “They grinned at each other, fearless faces.” – Chapter 10, Page 162
• “His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness.” – Chapter 1, Page 21
• “We’re not going to play any longer. Not with you.” – Chapter 8, Page 127
• “Kill the pig! Cut her throat!” – Chapter 4, Page 69

Jack’s Rejection of Civilization🧠 

• “Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong – we hunt!” – Chapter 5, Page 91
• “We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who ought to say things.” – Chapter 6, Page 101
• “The conch doesn’t count on this end of the island.” – Chapter 6, Page 98
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “Ralph isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “I’m going to split up the group.” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “I’m not going to be part of Ralph’s lot.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “Who cares what you believe, Fatty?” – Chapter 5, Page 92
• “We’ll hunt. I’ll be the chief!” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “We’re not savages. We’re English.” – Chapter 2, Page 42
• “We’ll close in and hunt it down.” – Chapter 7, Page 133
• “Ralph says you’re all cowards.” – Chapter 8, Page 141
• “I’m chief now. Ralph isn’t.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “We’re not going to play any longer. Not with you.” – Chapter 8, Page 127
• “I gave you food, didn’t I?” – Chapter 9, Page 149
• “Who’ll join my group and have fun?” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “See? They do what I want.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “I’m the chief. We’re going to forget the beast.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “Ralph says the beast doesn’t exist. But I say… otherwise.” – Chapter 8, Page 137

 Jack’s Rebellion Against Ralph’s Leadership🔥 

• “Ralph thinks you’re all cowards.” – Chapter 8, Page 141
• “Ralph isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “I ought to be chief.” – Chapter 1, Page 22
• “Who cares what you believe, Fatty?” – Chapter 5, Page 92
• “He’s not a hunter. He’d never have got us meat.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “I’m not going to be part of Ralph’s lot.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “He isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “You let the fire out!” – Chapter 4, Page 76
• “I’ll blow the conch myself!” – Chapter 8, Page 137
• “Ralph’s no good. He’s like Piggy.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “I said grab them!” – Chapter 10, Page 168
• “I’m not going to play any longer. Not with you.” – Chapter 8, Page 127
• “He just gives orders and expects people to obey for nothing.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “He’s always giving orders. But he doesn’t hunt or help.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “I gave you food, didn’t I?” – Chapter 9, Page 149
• “Ralph says the beast doesn’t exist. But I say… otherwise.” – Chapter 8, Page 137
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “I’ll go first, then we’ll hunt.” – Chapter 7, Page 126
• “He’s just giving orders.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “Who’ll join my group and have fun?” – Chapter 8, Page 140

Jack’s Growing Influence Over the Boys🏴‍☠️ 

• “I gave you food, didn’t I?” – Chapter 9, Page 149
• “Who’ll join my group and have fun?” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “See? They do what I want.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “They’re going to do what I say or there’ll be trouble.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “We’ll hunt and I’ll be chief!” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “I said grab them!” – Chapter 10, Page 168
• “Who’ll join my group?” – Chapter 8, Page 140
• “We’ll leave part of the kill for the beast.” – Chapter 8, Page 136
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “They’re going to join us, whether they like it or not.” – Chapter 9, Page 150
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “He’s not a hunter. He’d never have got us meat.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “We’re going to forget the beast. It’s a trick.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “The beast will come in disguise. We can’t leave it alone.” – Chapter 8, Page 134
• “They grinned at each other, fearless faces.” – Chapter 10, Page 162
• “You let the fire go out!” – Chapter 4, Page 76
• “You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you.” – Chapter 8, Page 143
• “He isn’t a proper chief.” – Chapter 8, Page 138
• “The conch doesn’t count on this end of the island.” – Chapter 6, Page 98
• “We’re not going to play any longer. Not with you.” – Chapter 8, Page 127

 Jack’s Transformation into a Savage🪖 

• “The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.” – Chapter 4, Page 64
• “I cut the pig’s throat!” – Chapter 4, Page 70
• “Kill the pig! Cut her throat! Spill her blood!” – Chapter 4, Page 69
• “Next time there would be no mercy.” – Chapter 1, Page 31
• “His laughter became a bloodthirsty snarl.” – Chapter 9, Page 150
• “We’ll hunt the beast and kill it!” – Chapter 7, Page 129
• “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat.” – Chapter 7, Page 134
• “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “The air was full of sweat and cries.” – Chapter 9, Page 147
• “His laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.” – Chapter 9, Page 152
• “He made a stabbing motion with his spear.” – Chapter 10, Page 164
• “They grinned at each other, fearless faces.” – Chapter 10, Page 162
• “Ralph says the beast doesn’t exist. But I say… otherwise.” – Chapter 8, Page 137
• “Sharpen a stick at both ends.” – Chapter 12, Page 198
• “We’ll raid them and take their fire.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “We’re going to forget the beast. It’s a trick.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “I’m chief now. Ralph isn’t.” – Chapter 10, Page 163
• “Ralph’s no good. He’s like Piggy.” – Chapter 8, Page 139
• “Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong – we hunt!” – Chapter 5, Page 91
• “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!” – Chapter 8, Page 143