How has Ralph's childhood been taking away from him?

This is pretty much the same for all the children on the island. From the beginning the innocence is sucked out of them. Ralph must mature very quickly. He tries to do the right thing. In many ways he is the symbol of responsible leadership. Unfortunately these are kids and, as far as Golding is concerned, human nature takes over. Ralph must contend with immaturity, homicide, betrayal and psychopathic behavior. This is much too much for any boy to handle. At the very end Golding notes that Ralph cries "for the darkness of mans' heart". It is impossible to maintain childhood innocence and witness the darkness of man’s heart at the same time.