Psychological development theories divide the development of a child to an adult into stages which carry distinctive characteristics. These theories study all areas of growth in a child till adulthood from the social and biological part to the emotion and cognitive processes (Ezhovkina & Ryabova, 2015). Arguably, it is evident that the story of The Lord of the Flies has many psychological, developmental theories that are applicable in real world context. Notably, the theme of bullying and its causes also comes to play. This paper seeks to discuss Ralph character traits about these psychological development theories. For a fact, the development of an individual during adolescence leads contributes to impulsive behaviors that could result in bullying to maintain social superiority.
Predominantly, Ralph displays a leadership spirit throughout the narration. This is well appreciated by the other schoolboys who follow his every command at the beginning (Robert & John, 2014). This situation is evident in Ralph’s life when he continually experiences shame and doubt. During this early stage, parents have the power to either build an independent, bold child or one that is fearful and dependent on others. Ralph's trait of boldness has its roots in autonomy, which is the psychosocial development stage. In spite of this juncture being at an early age, the characteristics acquired live with the child all their life as in the case of Ralph. John articulately describes this state as a stage where young adults want to associate with their peers and feel embraced.
However, this stage is described to be a period when teenage peers may differ when it comes to power and control (Ezhovkina & Ryabova, 2015). This is evident in the relationship between Ralph and Jack. They never saw eye to eye and hence both put more effort on fighting for power rather than leading. In spite of this, many of the smaller boys preferred Ralph to Jack. Ralph was not as aggressive as Jack hence some kids left him for Jack when he went to take down the so-called beast. In this case, Jack was considered a bully to the younger kids. As such, the theme of bullying is evident in this title.
Furthermore, environmental circumstances force Ralph to behave like an adult in the midst of the other schoolboys. He is elected as the leader and this gives him the position to command the others to do as he desires (Goldman, 2014). However, he takes this power and only instructs the schoolboys into activities that benefit the whole group ultimately. This stage can be characterized as the Identity stage which happens during teenage years. During this stage, Erikson’s states that a child has to learn the role he/she would play as an adult. Seemingly, Ralph comfortable fits this position in the story (Goldman, 2014). Ralph uses his authority to prevent bullying amongst the schoolboys.
In the early stages of the story’s development, the attachment theory is vividly seen. This theory states that there is that emotional bond that usually connects humans. This bond may be as a result of either a long-term relationship or a short-term one. After the plane that was carrying the schoolboys fell Piggy decided to use a conch shell which was nearby to summon the others (Robert & John, 2014). According to the theory, this action proved that human beings have a strong connection between each. In spite of having an opportunity to remain scattered, they sought to stay together.
Furthermore, according to the theory, peer attachment may lead to the development of preferences towards a particular person. In this case, Ralph is more preferred (Ezhovkina & Ryabova, 2015). This situation is largely accredited to the fact that he is one chosen to lead the group of boys even when one wanted to kick him out, the other kids opted to still have him. In this regard, adolescent relationships become a primary source of support both emotionally and socially. Piggy and Ralph had each other's back regardless of the fact Jack did not see eye to eye with either of them and wanted them dead (Robert & John, 2014). Jack is seen to be a bully when he beats up Piggy because he finds it difficult coming to terms with their preferred situation. However, Ralph confronts him.
Their relationships became a pillar of support for both in crisis and out of it. This is seen both in the beginning when Ralph and Piggy summon the other boys and where we see this duo discuss the presumably monster that was terrorizing the schoolboys. At first, Ralph together with the older kids tried to reason with the younger boys on the issue concerning the presence of a monster in the Island. According to the older kids, a monster wouldn't exist since it would be visible during the day (Robert & John, 2014). However, it only takes a few days when the older boys spotted the so-called monster who was a dead parachutist. With time, Simon can know that the monster was a just dead parachutist.
However, as he returns to explain to the others, they see his shadow and kill him. This leaves Ralph and Piggy discussing what they have done (Robert & John, 2014). This is based on Kohlberg Stages of Moral development. Arguably, Ralph and Piggy are being bothered by what they happened. This is driven by the fact that their moral conduct is based on conventional morality. This occurs when they seek to maintain a healthy relationship with Jack's team. Ralph strives to retain the peace between both groups (Robert & John, 2014). Ralph decides to go to Jack's territory to make him see the reasoning behind the incidence immediately after Jack takes Piggy's glasses. However, things do not go well because Jack is a bully.
The fact that Ralph does not believe the monster story at first helps us understand his early cognitive processes as explained by Jean Piaget theory of cognitive development. Jean Piaget goes on to explain that whatever is taught to a child at a young age lives with them forever. Jean explained that intelligence is obtained through adaptation (Ezhovkina & Ryabova, 2015). This follows the process of assimilation which deals with the first impression of the child in a situation. In regards to the story, Ralph is seen as a calm person in spite of the fear that had gripped the whole group (Robert & John, 2014). However, when Ralph and Jack spot the so called beast, some fear begins to creep in Ralph's life.
Ultimately, we see the increasing desire in the two groups to take control. This follows the evolutionary development theory which is the fundamental principle of Darwinian evolution. This situation leads to the two groups fighting over those resources (Robert & John, 2014). Ralph and his team are captured as soon as they arrive at Jack's group's place. This followed by a fight between Jack and Ralph. After a while, Ralph realizes he is in danger and decides to run away from the pack. He is pursued fully by Jack and his group. Furthermore, they burn the entire place to smoke him out. This causes the theme of bullying to be evidenced.
In conclusion, all these psychological principles evident in the story can help identify how they emerge in real life circumstances. Specifically, Ralph and Piggy’s behavior are aimed at maintaining adolescent superiority in the school environment. The need to uphold a commendable status leads them into bullying other individuals physically and cognitively. Jack’s involvement aimed at countering the social development of these friends equally explain the prevalent form of bullying among adolescents. For a fact, the above mentioned psychological theories can be used to define the nature of people’s behaviors when they indulge in unpleasant behaviors. As such, this essay presents an important rationale for the type of character exhibited by these individuals.
References
Ezhovkina, E. & Ryabova, N. (2015). Psychological and Pedagogic Support of Children with Health Limitations. International Education Studies, 8(4). http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ies.v8n4p60
Robert V. Kail, John C. Cavanaugh (2014). Essentials of Human Development: A Life-Span View. Boston: Cenage Learning
Golding, W. (2014). Lord of the flies. New York: Spark Publishing.
