What does the following quote from Golding's Lord of the Flies say about Jack? Why does he do this?"Jack snatched from behind him a sizable...

Jack’s gesture with the knife demonstrates both his violence and his tendency for dramatic gestures.  All the boys are doing is exploring the island.  There is no need for any of this.  However, Jack wants to make sure that he remains the center of attention.

While Ralph approaches the task at hand, exploring the island, with systematic and businesslike dullness, Jack treats it like an adventure.  He isn’t interested in the practical.  Just as he...

Jack’s gesture with the knife demonstrates both his violence and his tendency for dramatic gestures.  All the boys are doing is exploring the island.  There is no need for any of this.  However, Jack wants to make sure that he remains the center of attention.

While Ralph approaches the task at hand, exploring the island, with systematic and businesslike dullness, Jack treats it like an adventure.  He isn’t interested in the practical.  Just as he wanted to be in charge before just so he could punish rule-breakers, he wants to make exploring the island into something theatrical.

“Come on,” said Jack presently, “we’re explorers.”

“We’ll go to the end of the island,” said Ralph, “and look round the corner.”

“If it is an island—” (Ch. 1)

Jack has been designated leader of the hunters because of his practical leadership experience, and he takes charge of the small group of explorers who are checking out the island.

“We’ll try climbing the mountain from here,” he said. “I should think this is the easiest way. There’s less of that jungly stuff; and more pink rock. Come on.” (Ch. 1)

As they are looking around, Jack comments that they are doing "real exploring" and is excited that no one else is on the island and it doesn't seem to have had visitors or inhabitants before.  While Ralph is concerned about drawing maps and worried about whether or not they will be rescued, Jack is enjoying the adventure.

When they come across a pig, Jack draws his knife again "with a flourish."  This time there is a practical reason, but he is unable to actually get the pig "because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh."  It turns out that Jack is really just all bluster, without practical usefulness to back up his knife-flourishing skills.