I think little miss Lost in Hazzard hit somewhere close to home. It is apparent that Ben is mad that Locke can communicate with the Island (Jacob). I think Ben used to have the relationship with the Island that Locke now has. I reference back to Ben standing over the mass grave. He looked down at Locke and said somethng to the effect of, 'Maybe Jacob will help you.'

I also found it odd that Ben didn't hear Jacob when Locke did. Perhaps the first part of Ben's actions in the cabin were a farse. If he had previously communicated with Jacob there, he would know the drill. I say this because Ben acted as if he expected Locke to see and hear Jacob at first. However, when Locke actually did hear Jacob, Ben was shocked and outraged.

This is a stab in the dark, but maybe Ben hasn't been able to communicate with Jacob since shortly before Locke showed up. Maybe that is why the Island wouldn't heal his cancer.

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