The desire to escape the island. It was first and foremost in the survivalists minds after the plane crash. Rescue was the goal.
When Michael built his raft (twice), it was clear that some of the castaways were determined to help themselves get back home. And Michael's raft did work - - - they left the island in search of a rescue boat. But what happened next makes no sense.
The raft was attacked by the Others. Sawyer was shot; Jin and Michael were left for dead in the water.
So the survivalists would learn of their fate. The Others were dangerous. The island was dangerous. There should have been a GREATER urgency to leave the island. Build another raft. Go to the Barracks and steal a boat or submarine.
Instead, the castaways turned into sheep.
Why give up?
Why give up hope?
Why give up the chance to see your loved ones?
Why?
Even when Bernard tried to get the beach organized with signal fires, no one wanted to help him. It was no use. They were resigned to their fate of being island sheep. They were resigned that they would probably be killed off, one by one. That is not living, by anyone's definition. That is slow dying.
And when the castaways found canoes, and Desmond's boat - - - why not make a run for it? Instead, there were lame attempts to "rescue" their friends, for whom they did not know whether they were dead or alive. There was no effort to leave until the freighter arrived, but even then Jack refused rescue for all. Again, that was a curious out-of-character course for a man whose sole mission in life was to "save" other people.
Yes, the freighter was a death trap, but Jack did not know that when he made his call. He was basically playing god at that point: who would live (on the boat) and who would die (on the island).
It should have made those left behind mad. Mad enough to start their own rescue plans. But they did nothing but wait for their fate. It makes no sense.
