The quote illustrates the transient nature of power and authority, symbolized through the character Adam, who once ruled as King but eventually lost his will to maintain that throne. His demise as a leader emphasizes that in a hierarchy, strength alone is insufficient for survival; without the will to lead, one becomes vulnerable to those who possess greater cunning and adaptability.

Clavell's narrative suggests that true kingship is a combination of various traits, including intelligence, strategy, and fortuitous circumstances. The metaphor of rats conveys an environment where survival of the fittest entails more than sheer brute force; it requires a blend of wit and opportunism in a harsh social order.