Its safe to say that throughout William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies the boys made multiple mistakes, but is it possible to identify exactly where they went wrong? Some may say everything the boys did added to their downfall, however, there were four major events in the novel that contributed to their downfall most. The disregard of major priorities on the island, the ongoing disrespect of Piggy and his ideas, and Jack’s obsession with power, were all major factors in the downfall of the island. Their unwillingness to help is one of their first mistakes. Within the first few days their unwillingness is obvious; Simon and Ralph made shelters by themselves while all the other boys just did as they pleased. “Well, the littluns are-‘ “They’re hopeless. The older ones aren’t much better. D’you see? All day I’ve been working with Simon. No one else. They’re off bathing, or eating, or playing”(Golding 50). In chapter four, Ralph spotted a ship, but realizes there was no fire; only to find that Jack pulled his hunters away from the fire to help in the hunt. “;There was a ship. Out there. You said you’d keep the fire going and you let it out!”’(Golding 70). This started the division between the boys. Jacks main priority was no longer rescue, or even survival. A big factor in the chaos of the island was the lack of respect for Piggy. From the get go, Piggy was treated as a target, “You’re talking too much’ said JackMerridew. ‘shut up, Fatty.’ Laughter arose”(Golding 21). Piggy was judged on his size before anyone got to know him, and Jack was one of the first to disrespect Piggy; displaying a message to everyone that doing so is fine. When Ralph finally realized how important Piggy was, it was too late; “Only, decided Ralph as he faced the chief’s seat, I can’t think. Not like Piggy”(Golding 78). Ralph couldn’t do anything to convince the others boys otherwise, or have any