Ralph's attitude: Before and after

Just as what the title has mentioned, this post would be about the difference in Ralph's attitude as the novel progresses.

In the beginning of the novel, Ralph is more concerned with having fun on the island. Whenever Piggy talks to Ralph about finding the other survivors of the plane crash, Ralph tries to ignore Piggy and "increased his speed" to get away from Piggy. Like a young child who only wants to have fun, He is constantly standing on his hands when Piggy mentions serious things and how there are no adults on the island. Ralph is still innocent and thinks that the world is perfect. When Piggy told Ralph not to call him "Piggy", Ralph still shouts out his name several times and stood on his hands. When Jack calls Piggy "Fatty", He tells Jack to call him "Piggy" and they laugh about it, neglecting Piggy's feelings. Ralph is elected as chief in the assembly. When Ralph, Jack and Simon stood at the top of the island, there was optimism and hope.

In Huts on the beach, Ralph begins to realize that all things are not easy going. He finds that it is difficult to manage everyone as chief as they do not take him seriously. He understands the severity of the situation and the need for shelter. He starts to be less playful and focus more on the Littlun's needs. 

In Painted Faces and Long Hair, Ralph realizes that Jack and his hunters let out the fire when a ship passed by. He is angered by this and confronts Jack about it. When Jack tries to distract everyone from the severity of the situation, Ralph tries not to laugh at Jack mimicking Piggy. Ralph even tells Jack "That's a dirty trick". Ralph then calls for an assembly, a proper one without fooling around. 

In Beast From Water, Ralph recognizes that not all time on the island is fun and games and that the situation was quite urgent. Ralph has "grown up" significantly from the beginning of the novel. The illusion of a perfect world is shattered. Golding portrays this with " He stopped, facing the strip; and remembering that the first enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood, he smiled jeeringly. ". Thus showing that Ralph was having thoughts on what a fool he was.

In conclusion, Ralph's change in attitude is significant as he goes from having fun to making sure that their needs are all met. He prioritizes what is necessary and important in ensuring that they get rescued.