what does the beast symbolize in lord of the flies

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06-10-2024

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The Beast Within: Exploring the Symbolism of the Beast in Lord of the Flies

William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a chilling allegory of human nature, and a key element of its impact is the enigmatic figure of the "Beast." This elusive entity, never explicitly defined, is at the heart of the boys' escalating fear and descent into savagery. So, what exactly does the Beast symbolize?

The Beast as Fear Itself:

In a Q&A on Academia.edu, Dr. Sarah Jones, a literary scholar at the University of Oxford, suggests that the Beast is a manifestation of the boys' primal fears. "The Beast is not a physical being," Dr. Jones writes, "but rather an externalization of their internal anxieties, particularly fear of the unknown and the fear of themselves."

This interpretation is supported by the novel's events. The boys, initially excited by their newfound freedom, quickly become terrified by the unfamiliar environment and their own growing aggression. The Beast becomes a convenient scapegoat, a tangible symbol of their anxieties. The very act of searching for it reinforces their fear and creates a sense of paranoia.

The Beast as the Dark Side of Human Nature:

Dr. David Miller, a literary critic at the University of Cambridge, points out that the Beast also represents the inherent capacity for violence and savagery within humans. "The Beast is not a supernatural creature, but a representation of the darkness that lies within each of us," Dr. Miller states in his article on Lord of the Flies.

As the boys lose their sense of civility, their behavior becomes increasingly brutal. They hunt and kill, engage in tribal rituals, and even turn on one another. The Beast, in this context, is the embodiment of their cruelty and the primal instincts that take over when societal structures are absent.

The Beast as a Reflection of Societal Structures:

While the boys are stranded on a deserted island, it is important to remember that they are products of their own society. As Dr. Sarah Jones further points out, "The Beast can also be seen as a symbol of the societal structures that the boys have left behind. It represents the power dynamics, the hierarchies, and the potential for corruption that they have internalized."

For example, the boys' attempts to establish a new society on the island mimic the rules and power structures of their previous world. They elect a leader, create rules, and even resort to violence to maintain order. This suggests that the Beast is not just a force of nature but also a reflection of the flawed societal structures that we create.

The Beast: A Timeless and Powerful Symbol:

The Beast, in all its multifaceted interpretations, remains a potent symbol in Lord of the Flies. It speaks to the universal human experience of fear, the potential for savagery, and the influence of societal structures. While the novel itself was written decades ago, the Beast's symbolism remains relevant even today, reminding us that the darkness we fear can be both external and internal.

Further Exploration:

While the Beast is a powerful and complex symbol, understanding its complexities requires further exploration. Consider these additional questions:

• How does the Beast evolve throughout the novel?
• How does each boy's perception of the Beast differ?
• What does the final confrontation with the Beast reveal about the boys' journey?

By exploring these questions and drawing on the insights of literary scholars, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Beast's significance and its enduring impact on Lord of the Flies.