In the novel "Lord of the Flies," the beast is a symbol that represents the primal instincts and fears that exist within every individual. The beast is first introduced to the characters, a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island, through the character of Ralph, who suggests that the beast may be a real animal that lurks in the forest. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the beast is not a physical entity, but rather a manifestation of the boys' innermost fears and doubts.
Throughout the novel, the beast serves as a catalyst for the boys' descent into savagery and violence. As they become more isolated and disconnected from the outside world, their fear of the beast grows, leading them to become increasingly paranoid and aggressive. This fear is further exacerbated by the fact that they are unable to see or identify the beast, adding to the sense of uncertainty and danger that surrounds it.
The beast also represents the primal instincts that exist within human nature, such as the desire for power and control. As the boys become more isolated and disconnected from the constraints of society, these primal instincts begin to surface, leading to the emergence of a power struggle between the characters of Ralph and Jack. The beast serves as a symbol for the power dynamics that exist within the group, as the boys' fear of the beast drives them to seek out and follow the strongest and most powerful leader.
In addition to representing primal instincts and fears, the beast also serves as a metaphor for the evil that exists within humanity. The character of Simon, who represents a Christ-like figure in the novel, has a vision in which he confronts the beast and learns that it is not a real animal, but rather a representation of the evil that exists within each of the boys. This revelation suggests that the beast is not something external to the boys, but rather something that exists within them, and that their fear of the beast is actually a fear of their own capacity for evil.
Overall, the beast serves as a complex and multifaceted symbol in "Lord of the Flies," representing the primal instincts, fears, and evil that exist within humanity. It serves as a driving force for the boys' descent into savagery and violence, and serves as a metaphor for the power dynamics and internal conflicts that exist within the group.
