Many good points above by you guys.
I would agree with most of you that Locke didnt know for certain that Boone was going to die or even that he would get 'that' badly hurt.
I think the thing we have to remember is that good Hunters take 'risks'. Locke at that time was in his 'hunter mode' and so he was willing to throw caution to the wind. Granted, Locke was also getting a tad impatient at this time and Boone's growing discontent about building Trebuchets along with his own frustration had him looking for a sign. And boy did he receive one. SP (i think it was) made a good point aboiut Locke's dream being like no other he had previoulsy ever experienced. Infact he said so didnt he - "This was the most real dream i ever had" (or words to that effect)..and sohe was always going to follow it..afterall, the island had done no wrong to him personally up to that point.
I also agree with UNUM about his mom being symbolic of the 'instigator' - thats a very astute point *hats off*
I would disagree with you slightly AP, in that i do think that essentially Boone was a sacrifice that the island demanded. I know Boone said it sarcasitcally but "everything happens for a reason"..i think Locke (after meeting Boone again) is back to believing this. Thats not to say that Locke isnt deeply sorry or that he 100% knew Boone would die. I still think that Locke thought that, if anything, Boone would receive a couple of scrathes. Lets not forget that Locke also took a gamble himself, as he saw himself being back in a wheelchair. As you say, perhaps Locke was also experiencing tunnel vision and should've been more cautious and consired the ramifications. However, i think that for some people on the island, their fate was more set in stone that others and that the chain of events, although often grim..are most necessary. I think Locke has learned alot from the deaths of Boone and Eko and i think that with their help (past help an help from beyond?) he will do whatever it is he is destined to do
..eventually. i hope.
