Even as this is a linear narrative–and it works best as the plotting is critically based on linearity and the change in the characters the longer they are on their own on the island–there is no real base set of how much time is passing.This may be a conscious effort on Golding’s part in order to eliminate any speculation about time influencing the patterns developing. But in Chapter Five, we see a definitive moment in Ralph’s manner of thinking, brought about by specific actions on the part of some of the characters. Here is how the third person omniscient narrator gives us this change:
Suddenly, pacing by the water, he (Ralph) was overcome with astonishment. He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of his life, where every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one’s waking life was spent watching one’s feet. He stopped, facing the strip, and remembering that first enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood, he smiled jeeringly.
(…) This meeting must not be fun, but business. (pg. 76)
Ralph has come to be challenged as a leader. Briefly, he spots smoke on the horizon and guesses that it might be a ship. When he turns to look (as pointed out by Piggy) he realizes that Jack and his hunters have allowed the fire on the top of the mountain to burn out. Just at this point, Jack comes back thrilled with himself and his followers at the victory of having killed a pig.
This brings up a conflict and the obvious: different people have different priorities. To Ralph and Piggy, rescue is of prime importance, and the fire was their only chance of attracting help. To Jack, the need to dominate and succeed was the goal that he achieved by providing meat.
It is clear that the community must have agree on their primary focus, and that organization and regulations must be put in place to assure their goals. Ralph’s leadership has been challenged because he himself was lax in maintaining it. He briefly understands that Piggy is the thinker and the value of thinking is what will be their survival, and while he may let up on Piggy a bit, he understands just as well that Piggy would be an ineffective leader and so must instead allow it to influence and change his own behavior to maintain control of the group.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology