The breakdown of order on the island is the result of "mankind's essential illness," a concept only Simon grasps. Ralph continues to search for the answer that Simon tried to offer him. Simon's encounter with the Lord of the Flies confirms Simon's understanding when the pig's head says,
"You knew, didn't you? I'm part of you? Close, close, close! I'm the reason why it's no go? Why things are what they are?"
The moral depravity inside each boy is what makes the society break down.
Ralph is the one who seems most bothered by the disintegration of order among the boys. He discusses his concern in chapter 5 with Simon and Piggy. After expressing his doubts about whether life on the island functions under the same rules that govern the outside world, he says, "We're all drifting and things are rotten." He is bemoaning the fact that the boys won't pull together for a common goal that would be good for everyone. He also misses the politeness of society and the way that grownups could always provide an answer. He states that grownups "wouldn't set fire to the island. Or lose--" What he was going to say is ambiguous, but he may be thinking of the child who died in the fire. He also states that grownups "wouldn't quarrel." He dislikes the antagonism between himself and Jack.
In chapter 8, Ralph asks Piggy, "What makes things break up like they do?" Although Piggy is quick to blame Jack, and Ralph agrees, his agreement is half-hearted. Ralph is discouraged, even scared, because the boys can't keep in mind the importance of being rescued. Ralph knows that keeping the signal fire going is a matter of life and death, but the other boys seem to only think about hunting and having fun. Ralph feels responsible for the others, yet most of them don't feel responsible for anyone but themselves.
The conflict, the selfishness, and the lack of proper priorities are the things that bother Ralph most about the breakdown of their society.
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