What is the meaning behind this quote? • “The thing is- fear can’t hurt you anymore than a dream.” (Chapter 5 pg. 82)

In this quote, Jack imparts an important note of wisdom. Over the course of the novel, fear affects all of the boys in one way or another. In context, he is trying to make everyone understand that fear and dreams, on their own, cannot hurt us. Sadly, it's the way he says it that leaves an impact on the others, as he finishes by saying, "Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies! But there is no animal--"