Fact - the 'others' or the 'hostiles' are always on a perpetual campout. Their villages are cloth tents, they have ragged clothes and makeshift campfires keeping them warm. Despite the oddness of Richard's more sophisticated dress, they seem to have the 'air' of the outcast, beduin, or nomad. Considering the ease at which they could have more permanent shelter, and the fact that they have full access to the temple, why the forced poverty?
One bit of background comes from the military aspect shown in the 50's, and since Widmore has been on the island starting from before the army came, the tents and such seemed like they could have been part of their background, as break offs from a military expedition. However, their hostility towards these interlopers make that unlikely.
The only theory is that somehow it is wrapped up in Jacob, some kind of vow of poverty that has been taken up by his followers. Since "God loves you as he loved Jacob" was stated back in season 3, and his 'residence' in the abandoned shack of Goodlove was made clear, it seems to be an indication of a religious order, or some sort of self-inflicted state.
It is curious that Ben dismissed the trappings and just moved into Dharmaville. Even kept the sub and all the other goodies. Every time we see the 'real' others they are young, nameless and again, somewhat nomadic looking campers. Even the exodus to the temple sequences had the same tent-pitching aspects. Certainly traveling back and forth couldn't be the characteristic of the hostiles. Unless, they are on the move to flee smokey? To provide a background of whispering when people wander the jungle? Is it telling that even the 'new' others led by ben faked the camp town by the beach? Is it some sort of ruse or put-one? My first post, please set me straight.
One bit of background comes from the military aspect shown in the 50's, and since Widmore has been on the island starting from before the army came, the tents and such seemed like they could have been part of their background, as break offs from a military expedition. However, their hostility towards these interlopers make that unlikely.
The only theory is that somehow it is wrapped up in Jacob, some kind of vow of poverty that has been taken up by his followers. Since "God loves you as he loved Jacob" was stated back in season 3, and his 'residence' in the abandoned shack of Goodlove was made clear, it seems to be an indication of a religious order, or some sort of self-inflicted state.
It is curious that Ben dismissed the trappings and just moved into Dharmaville. Even kept the sub and all the other goodies. Every time we see the 'real' others they are young, nameless and again, somewhat nomadic looking campers. Even the exodus to the temple sequences had the same tent-pitching aspects. Certainly traveling back and forth couldn't be the characteristic of the hostiles. Unless, they are on the move to flee smokey? To provide a background of whispering when people wander the jungle? Is it telling that even the 'new' others led by ben faked the camp town by the beach? Is it some sort of ruse or put-one? My first post, please set me straight.
