In chapter seven, Ralph reluctantly joins Jack and the hunters on an expedition for the beast. As they are walking through the forest, Ralph becomes more and more depressed about his situation. He is tired of being dirty, frightened, and anxious all the time. At this point in the novel, Ralph is quickly losing hope and desperately desires to return to civilization.

As they are walking through the forest looking for the beast, Ralph begins to daydream about his family's old cottage in the countryside, where he used to enjoy the company of the ponies and experience complete comfort and satisfaction inside the cottage on snowy days. He also recalls a collection of books on the shelf above his bed. He goes on to recall several books he often read and the pleasant memory provides him a brief respite from his stressful situation on the island.

Ralph is not upset or angry about the books he has read back home, but he is upset about his current situation on the tropical island. He desires to be back in civilization and desperately wishes to return to his family's cottage, where he has access to books and the other comforts of home. The children's books are simply a reminder of the aspects of civilization that Ralph cherishes and misses the most.