Answer: The cause of the conflict between Ralph and Jack in the novel "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is primarily a struggle for power and leadership. Ralph, who is elected as the leader of the group of boys stranded on the deserted island, initially tries to establish a sense of order and cooperation, while Jack becomes increasingly focused on hunting and asserting his authority.
Ralph's effort to appease Jack, such as by allowing him to lead the hunting expeditions, suggests that Ralph is a pragmatic and conciliatory leader who tries to avoid conflict and maintain unity within the group. This also indicates that Ralph is willing to compromise and share power, even though he was elected as the leader. However, as Jack becomes more and more ruthless and authoritarian, Ralph's attempts to appease him become increasingly futile, and the conflict between them escalates.
It is unlikely that Jack will be content to play second fiddle to Ralph, as his desire for power and dominance is a central aspect of his character. Jack is portrayed as a charismatic and aggressive leader who appeals to the boys' baser instincts and leads them into savagery. His growing cult of personality and his willingness to use fear and violence to control the others suggest that he will not be satisfied with a subordinate role. Ultimately, the conflict between Ralph and Jack leads to a breakdown of order and morality on the island, and the novel portrays a bleak vision of human nature and the destructive potential of unchecked power.
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