Final answer:
Ralph becomes chief in 'Lord of the Flies' after he uses the conch shell to gather the boys and they vote for him as leader due to his organizing skills and charisma.
Step-by-step explanation:
In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, Ralph becomes chief through an initial act of community organization and leadership when the boys find themselves stranded on the deserted island. In the story, Ralph first demonstrates his capability by blowing the conch shell to gather all the boys scattered across the island. Once assembled, the boys agree that they need a leader and choose Ralph for his charisma and ability to organize the group. His initial possession of the conch shell, which symbolizes order and authority, contributes to his election as chief by the other boys, showing his natural leadership quality.
Ralph's subsequent challenges in leading the group of boys underscore the complexities of leadership and order in a society without adult supervision. His encounters with Jack and the other boys reflect the ongoing conflict between civilization and savagery, a central theme of the novel. Golding uses Ralph's character to explore the dynamics of power and the human impulse towards governance and structure.