In Chapter 5, Ralph begins to doubt his ability as a leader before holding an assembly to discuss how the boys are not completing any of the agreed upon tasks. Ralph realizes that the conditions on the island are only getting worse and feels like the boys do not respect him. He also doesn't believe that he is smart enough to make the right decisions. Golding writes,
"Only, decided Ralph as he faced the chief’s seat, I can’t think. Not like Piggy" (78).
The assembly ends terribly when Jack refuses to follow the rules and leads the hunters on another expedition. When Jack and his hunters leave the platform, Ralph says to Piggy,
"I ought to give up being chief. Hear 'em" (Golding 93).
Ralph is frustrated at his lack of control and mental inferiority. He cannot give any definite answers regarding the identity of the beast, and lacks the ability to enforce any of the rules. His failure to form a cohesive group focused on completing necessary tasks and his inability to answer important questions are the reasons he is becoming less confident as a leader.
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