Final Answer:
At the beginning of the novel, Jack appears to be the leader/ruler of the choirboys.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early chapters of the novel, "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, Jack is initially portrayed as the leader or ruler of the choirboys. The choirboys are a group of boys from the crashed plane who wear black cloaks and form a disciplined and organized unit. At this stage, Jack exhibits traits of authority and control over the choirboys, setting the tone for his character's development throughout the story.
The symbolic use of the choirboys as a group underscores the themes of order and discipline in the novel. The fact that Jack is the leader of the choirboys suggests a pre-existing structure and hierarchy within the group before their arrival on the uninhabited island. Jack's early leadership role sets the stage for the power dynamics that will unfold as the boys face the challenges of survival.
This initial portrayal of Jack as a leader of the choirboys foreshadows the broader struggles for power and dominance that will emerge among the characters, ultimately exploring the darker aspects of human nature when civilization is stripped away. As the story progresses, Jack's leadership evolves and takes a darker turn, delving into themes of savagery and the breakdown of societal norms in the absence of authority.