This chapter continues with and develops the themes established in Chapter 1. Of particular importance to Ralph is his new experience with control over his electorate in the face of political and social dynamics. Initially the boys are quite impressed with him, as he finds he has a natural capacity for public speaking. His promise of rescue seems farfetched given the nuclear war that precipitated the boys’ evacuation, but it is a promise he delivers well and believes himself. Even Piggy has faith in Ralph’s ability to understand and communicate the issues, although he may be giving him too much credit. When Piggy grabs the conch and says “You’re hindering Ralph. You’re not letting him get to the most important thing,” it’s not clear from Ralph’s hesitant response that he was in fact going to cover the likelihood that no one knows the boys’ location.
Piggy’s loyalty to Ralph stems from Piggy’s logical mentality — it’s logical to follow the leader’s command and assume that he is in control of the situation. The rest of the boys are more emotional. They are quickly swayed from the chief they so respected moments before. Once on the mountain, they are very much impressed by Jack, with his seemingly generous offer to have his hunters take on the fire tending duties, just as they had been enamored of Ralph earlier.
