Golding's Lord of the Flies is metaphorically used as a political allegory of different governments through civilization, though in the wilderness. In this light, critically examine democracy and totalitarianism as a significant theme in the novel.

Ralph is the symbol for democracy. He leads the boys, but he is not a dictator. As time goes by, Jack, on the other end of the spectrum, hungers for power, acts as a dictator, and allows himself to be guided by his own needs and wants rather than the needs and wants of the whole. Ralph depends upon unity, relies on group votes, and both group and individual responsibility.

Ralph is a symbol for democracy.