Chapter 5 Response: Theme

     “The rules!” shouted Ralph. “You’re breaking the rules!” “Who cares?” Ralph summoned his wits. “Because the rules are the only thing we’ve got!” This chapter really shows how the boys have been treating the island and how what their priorities are. The boys are starting to realize it's easier to not have responsibilities and do what they want. Ralph really thinks about what needs to be said and what they need to do. Ralph understands that as chief he must keep the island going smoothly. He desperately wants to be rescued while Jack and some of the others want to have fun. They have fun by hunting and killing. 

     Ralph calls the assembly to bring order and organization to the boys again. He discusses the fire, shelters, using the bathroom, and the fear of the "beast".  The boys express their different opinions and some like Jack don't think rules are important. Ralph says that rules are all that they have and it's all that is holding them together. 

    I believe the theme of this chapter is the priorities and objectives they are trying to achieve and how the boys will react to it. They must understand what needs to take place to have a functioning and endurable environment to live in. At the end of the chapter you're left wondering if the boys destroy themselves or pick themselves back up.