Overall, there are many themes present in the first four chapters of LOTF.
The first theme is the will to survive. Regardless of the different ways they want to go about it, Ralph and Jack recognize that they must, above all else, survive. None of these boys want to die. They want to return home and have things return to normal. However, the only way for this to happen is if they are rescued. Before they can be rescued, they must adapt to their new jungle island home.
The second theme is the lust for power, control, and superiority. This theme is present only in Jack. He seeks to prove that he is better than everyone else. He needs to assert his dominance. We see this through his words and demeanor (Chapter 1), and then his belief that his ideas are automatically better than Ralph's. Regardless of the fact that Ralph is chief, Jack holds himself above taking orders.
The final theme is, believe it or not, rationality, thoughtfulness, and logic. This theme is present in Piggy and, later on, Ralph. Piggy is the only one of the boys who thinks. The only boy who sees the whole picture. Piggy realizes that there is a chance that they might not be rescued. He takes the logical approach to every issue. He realizes that building shelters and taking care of the fire is more important than hunting a pig. As the weight of being chief settles on Ralph's shoulders, Ralph becomes more thoughtful, and like Piggy, begins to see the big picture. Piggy is also the only older boy who can talk to the little ones. He comforts and soothes them until they trust him and will speak.
The first theme is the will to survive. Regardless of the different ways they want to go about it, Ralph and Jack recognize that they must, above all else, survive. None of these boys want to die. They want to return home and have things return to normal. However, the only way for this to happen is if they are rescued. Before they can be rescued, they must adapt to their new jungle island home.
The second theme is the lust for power, control, and superiority. This theme is present only in Jack. He seeks to prove that he is better than everyone else. He needs to assert his dominance. We see this through his words and demeanor (Chapter 1), and then his belief that his ideas are automatically better than Ralph's. Regardless of the fact that Ralph is chief, Jack holds himself above taking orders.
The final theme is, believe it or not, rationality, thoughtfulness, and logic. This theme is present in Piggy and, later on, Ralph. Piggy is the only one of the boys who thinks. The only boy who sees the whole picture. Piggy realizes that there is a chance that they might not be rescued. He takes the logical approach to every issue. He realizes that building shelters and taking care of the fire is more important than hunting a pig. As the weight of being chief settles on Ralph's shoulders, Ralph becomes more thoughtful, and like Piggy, begins to see the big picture. Piggy is also the only older boy who can talk to the little ones. He comforts and soothes them until they trust him and will speak.