The lesson in this chapter is that teamwork is the key to success. If Ralph and Jack had come to an agreement of some sort to co-operate together then the boys would still be in one group and it would be easier to keep the fire going. When Simon talked to the beast as if the beast was actually answering him, it shows that Simon is kind of losing his sanity. This symbolizes that everything is starting to fall apart and the boys are losing their sanity, and becoming less civilized. The fire represents the hope in each of the boys’ heart that they may still be rescued. It also symbolizes that even though it can be put out at times, it will always be there. That there will always be a mark of hope,