Painted Faces and Long Hair

Jack's character transformation changes his view of himself from powerful yet obedient, to this new found power that is not only changing his physical image but the way he acts and reacts towards others and different situations. At first Jack still had the responsibility of leading the choir, which was given to him by an adult who told him what to do and exactly how to do it. Now, with Ralph being the only person who has authority over Jack, this gives him freedom and an addiction to discovery that he didn't have before. The loss of rules and structure is not the only thing that had changed Jack. The way he wears himself or the way he changed the way he looks is influencing his actions. For example Jack paints his face in preparing for his pig hunt the author says; "He looked in astonishment, no longer at himself but at an awesome stranger." (63). Jack is proud of the person he has turned himself into. He has made himself more free and changing his look was the last step in doing so. It not only made him realize who he is now, but it also was the final realization for the rest of the boys. 

Piggy and Ralph spot a ship passing the island. In panic they look up to see if their smoke signal was still in use. To their disappointment the fire had gone out. Jack and his fellow choir boys (now hunters) had the job of keeping the fire lit. They were all off trying to kill the pig, unaware that the only time the fire would have been useful, they weren't there to make sure it would actually be seen. When Jack and his crew return with joy after murdering and bringing home their prize, they realize that what they are walking into will nonetheless completely change their happy attitudes. This is shown when Ralph is trying to tell Jack about his failure, but Jack does not engage in his anger because he is busy dancing around the dead pig; "There was a ship. Out there you said you'd keep the fire going and you let it out!" (70). Jack's response to this shows little regret. Again showing how he doesn't truly view Ralph as having more power or authority as he. Jack seems to not even care about the past chance of rescue, he is mesmerized by the blood on him and the pig he killed with pride. This is another example of Jack's total transformation into someone pridefully living off the land, looking to the future, hunting his next meal, and enjoying the process. This shown through his lack of response to Ralph's disappointment and going back and celebrating his victory as finaly becoming the pig killing victor; "Jack transferred the knife to his left hand and smudged blood over his forehead as he pushed down the plastered hair." (71).