what do you think of Ralph's handling of the boy who told about the snake? why do you think ralph acted as he did?

Ralph is pretty good with the boy. We have to remember that Ralph is only a child himself (12 years old perhaps). He tries to explain that the snake thing is not real. The fears of the "littluns" are contagious. Ralph attempts to explain the logic or rather illogic behind the existence of a snake-thing, "You only get them in big countries, like Africa, or India." Ralph, like a responsible leader, tries to establish a sense of calm and perspective. Ralph is as responsible as a boy his age can be. Unfortunately you cannot legislate fear away. Jack quickly seizes the opportunity to exploit the fear in the boys to his own ends.