IndexThe beast as fear and the unknownThe beast as loss of innocenceThe beast as a catalyst for power strugglesConclusionHave you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of human nature? In William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island try to restore order and civilization. However, as fear and primal instincts take over, they begin to believe in the existence of a terrifying beast. This essay aims to explore the symbolism behind the beast in Lord of the Flies and its implications on human nature and civilization. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Beast as Fear and the Unknown Over the course of the novel, the boys' fear of the beast grows as they struggle to understand their surroundings and their own identity in the absence of adult authority. The beast's presence becomes a physical manifestation of their fear, representing the unknown and uncontrollable. As the boys' fear intensifies, they project their inner darkness onto the beast, attributing it supernatural powers and abilities. For example, when Simon encounters the "beast" in the form of a dead paratrooper, he realizes that the true beast resides within them, a realization that ultimately leads to his tragic end. According to literary critic Harold Bloom, the beast symbolizes boys. ' collective unconscious, their deepest fears and desires that emerge when civilization and social norms are eliminated. Bloom argues that the beast is a metaphor for the human psyche, which is inherently wild and untamed. It suggests that the boys' descent into savagery and their belief in the beast reflect the dark side of human nature, the innate capacity for violence and destruction. The Beast as Loss of Innocence Another interpretation of the Beast is its representation of the loss of innocence. . The boys, initially innocent and naive, gradually succumb to their primal instincts and become wild hunters. The beast, in this sense, symbolizes the corruption of their innocence and the erosion of their moral values. As the boys become immersed in their savage rituals and violence, their faith in the beast grows stronger, blurring the line between reality and imagination. Furthermore, the beast also reveals the inherent evil that exists in every individual. The boys, once bound by social rules and structures, slowly abandon their civilized behavior and give in to their baser desires. As they lose their connection to civilization, the boys lose their identity and become susceptible to the beast's influence. The beast, therefore, is a reflection of the boys' inner darkness, of their innate capacity to do harm. The Beast as a Catalyst for Power Struggles In addition to representing fear and the loss of innocence, the beast also serves as a catalyst for power struggles among the boys. the boys. As they become more and more consumed by their belief in the beast, they begin to compete for dominance and control. Jack, in particular, exploits the boys' fear of the beast to found his own tribe, using it as a means to gain power and manipulate others. According to literary scholar Paul Crawford, the beast symbolizes the boys' desire for power and their willingness to sacrifice their morals and humanity to achieve it. Crawford argues that the beast serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of power, which can corrupt even the most innocent and well-intentioned individuals. The boys' obsession with the beast leads them to commit acts of violence and,.