It would say it was half conscience and half acting. When Alex was gone he regained his composure almost instantly.
Both Widmore and Ben seem to be "protecting" the island like freakishly over jealousy husband would.
Locke seems to be treated as a saviour, but remember when Richard met child Locke and how dissapointed he was when Locke chose what he chose from the pile of items.
Also, egyptians? If so, the serpent was Apophis and dog head man was Anubis. Bad and Good, if you will.
Awesome episode.