What Was The Beast in Lord of The Flies? Unpacking The Symbolism and Significance

William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" is often seen as a profound commentary on human nature and society. One of the most intriguing elements within this novel is the concept of the beast. This mysterious creature becomes a symbol that evolves throughout the story, encapsulating not just fear but deeper themes related to morality, civilization, and humanity's inherent darkness. So, what exactly does the beast represent? Let's unpack its symbolism and significance.

The Origin of Fear

From the moment Ralph and Piggy gather the boys on the island, there’s an undercurrent of anxiety. The boys’ initial excitement about freedom slowly morphs into dread when they begin to imagine what might lurk in the jungle. The beast represents this primal fear—a natural response to being isolated from society and stripped of its rules. This fear isn’t limited to a physical entity; it grows from their imaginations fueled by stories, nightmares, and insecurities.

The boys’ interpretation of what constitutes a “beast” shifts dramatically throughout their time on the island. Initially, it’s an abstract idea—something lurking in the shadows or rustling in the bushes. Yet as their descent into savagery accelerates, this idea transforms into something more tangible: a reflection of their own internal struggles with morality and order.

A Reflection of Inner Darkness

As much as we’d like to think we are civilized beings adhering to societal norms, Golding suggests otherwise. The real beast is not an external monster lurking in dark corners; it's within each boy—their capacity for cruelty and savagery emerges when societal structures break down. When Jack leads his followers in hunting rituals that involve chanting and dancing around fires, he embodies this darker side that overtakes them.

This duality within human nature is where Golding truly shines in his storytelling. As soon as order collapses (symbolized by Piggy's broken glasses), chaos reigns supreme. The once innocent children devolve into ruthless hunters who revel in violence—a stark reminder that savagery is just beneath the surface when civilization fails.

The Role of Simon

Simon’s character adds another layer to understanding the beast's symbolism. Unlike Ralph or Jack, Simon possesses an innate goodness and insightfulness that allows him to grasp truths others cannot see—namely that “the beast” is not a creature at all but rather part of themselves. His encounter with the Lord of the Flies (the severed pig’s head) highlights this notion perfectly; it represents decay, corruption, and ultimately reveals that evil comes from within humans themselves.

Simon's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about ignoring truth for comfort—when he tries to convey his revelations about humanity’s inner darkness back to others after his experience with the Lord of Flies, he meets brutal violence instead of understanding or acceptance. Here lies Golding’s warning: ignorance can lead to destruction.

Civilization vs Savagery

The presence of both Ralph (representative of order) and Jack (embodying chaos) symbolizes broader societal conflicts between civilization and savagery—not only among individuals but also culturally speaking across history. As tensions rise between these two factions among boys on this deserted island, so too does their perception—or lack thereof—of what constitutes “the beast.”

This struggle reflects real-world issues we've faced throughout history: war based on misunderstandings driven by fears bred from hatred or prejudice toward different groups often leads us down destructive paths where violence prevails over reasoned discourse.

The Conclusion: An Unending Cycle

So ultimately, what was ‘the beast’ in "Lord of the Flies"? It serves multiple purposes—as fear incarnate symbolizing our darkest instincts while concurrently reflecting deeper philosophical questions regarding human nature itself—and whether we’re inherently good or bad beings given proper circumstances—that challenge readers long after they've put down Golding's text.

In conclusion, understanding ‘the beast’ transcends mere literary analysis; it opens discussions about morality versus savagery still relevant today amidst modern conflicts across societies worldwide stemming from similar fears rooted deep within humanity’s psyche since time immemorial!

References

• Golding W., "Lord of the Flies", Faber & Faber Limited 1954.
• Morrison T., "Playing In The Dark: Whiteness And The Literary Imagination", Harvard University Press 1993.
• Todorov T., "The Fantastic: A Structural Approach To A Literary Genre", Cornell University Press 1975.
• Eagleton T., "Literary Theory: An Introduction", Blackwell Publishing 1983.