Lord of the Flies - , the story depicts the evil that gradually comes out of the boys as their time on the island progresses.

The most obvious symbol for the growing evil on the island is “The Beast.” The Beast is just a metaphor for the evil that lives in the souls and minds of the stranded children of the island. The children on the island are unaware of this, and set out to find this ‘beast’. Simon however, questions if the beast exist within themselves. “What I mean is…maybe it’s only us” (Golding, 89.) The beast continues to have a great effect on the mental status and the judgement capability of the children on the island. As time withers away, so does any evidence of civilization. The loss of the rules and regulations of their home environment result in them acting without restraint, despite the fact that their actions may hurt whoever they are done too. For example, when Maurice throws sand into Percival’s eyes, knowing that there is no one to restrain him from doing so (Golding, 60.)  Roger also acts without rational judgement by using violence to frighten the kids, giving him a false sense of superiority and security. This shows the effect that the Beast has on the children. When the only rational person, Simon, realizes that the Beast is not real, he is killed before he can tell anyone. “There isn’t anyone to help you. Only me. And I’m the Beast. . . . Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! . . . You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close! I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are the way they are?” (Golding, 143.) This shows that the Beast has taken over the island. The Beast continues to grow as the children progress through the novel, causing a more severe mental breakdown.