Lord of the Flies features four main
characters: Ralph, Jack, Piggy, and Simon. Ralph is elected leader by the boys because he appears
to have leadership qualities; however, he does not actually have what it takes. Jack was
appointed the leader of the choir; however, when the choir gets to choose, they do not choose
Jack. Piggy has the best collection of leadership qualities, but because of how he looks no one
will follow him. That leaves Simon.
Your question implies that Simon
is, in fact, the best leader on the island. Obviously that's not true, since the one time he
tries to lead them he is killed. Your follow-up statement mentions leadership qualities, and
that's a little different than actually being a leader. Simon is a hard worker, but he is prone
to fainting spells. Simon is kind to the littluns when others are not, but he also feels the need
to escape to his hideaway quite often.
The one quality which does
set him apart as a potential leader is his innate understanding of human nature. If he had been
able to make the rest of the boys see it, they may all have survived and even thrived. Instead,
no one paid attention. That's not leadership.
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