Final answer:
Ralph stressed the need for rescue in 'Lord of the Flies' by maintaining a signal fire as a means for potential rescue from the island. This is symbolized by the conch shell, which is used for calling meetings and ensuring order. The correct option in the final answer is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thing Ralph stressed from the beginning was the need for rescue. This theme is central to the novel 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, where Ralph, one of the main characters, is focused on maintaining a signal fire to facilitate rescue from the deserted island on which the boys are stranded.
The importance of teamwork, need for strong leadership, and importance of rules and order are indeed significant topics within the novel, but Ralph's primary concern is ensuring that the signal fire burns continuously as a means for potential rescue.
While other characters in the story, such as Jack, prioritize hunting and the establishment of their own power, Ralph consistently emphasizes the practical goal of being saved, often symbolized by the conch shell as a tool for calling meetings and ensuring order. Answer D, the need for rescue, is the correct option in the final answer as per Ralph's priorities depicted in the book.