In William Golding’s novel ‘Lord of the Flies’, the hunters are primarily a group of boys led by Jack Merridew. Initially, the boys are all part of the choir and serve under Ralph, the elected leader. However, as the story progresses, Jack breaks away from Ralph’s authority and forms his own group focused on hunting and savagery.
The hunters take on a significant role as they represent the primal instincts and the darker side of human nature. Armed with spears and motivated by the thrill of the hunt, they gradually abandon their civilized behavior and embrace chaos. Jack’s leadership fuels their descent into savagery, creating a contrasting dynamic with Ralph’s focus on order and rescue.
Throughout the novel, the hunters become increasingly violent and brutal, showcasing the theme of inherent human savagery. Their actions culminate in tragic events that reflect the loss of innocence among the boys. Therefore, the hunters symbolize the dark side of humanity and the struggle between civilization and savagery that is central to the book.