Final answer:
Ralph wants fire to signal for rescue, demonstrating a strategic desire to return to civilization, while fire represents multiple practical and symbolic elements such as heat, survival, and hope.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the motives of characters Ralph and Jack in a literature context, specifically relating to their reasons for wanting fire. Ralph wants fire because he wants to signal for rescue, which is a strategic and hopeful action aimed at finding a way back to civilization and safety. In literature and the human experience, fire often has multiple symbolic meanings. It is essential as it provides heat, cooks food, and offers protection, as cited by Smokeybear.com, which outlines that heat, fuel, and oxygen are necessary for a fire to occur. Conversely, in the portrayal of characters and power dynamics, the desire for fire can also be viewed metaphorically, akin to the desire for power or control, such as in the instances where elements are combined to ignite racism.