What does the beast represent in The lord of the flies?

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What does the beast represent in

            The lord of the flies?

 The lord of the flies is an allegorical novel that tells the simple story of a group of boys trapped on an island after a plane crash, but Golding also uses that story to symbolize “the beast within.” The “beast” is actually what the boys become and in this essay I intend to explain the meaning of the beast in further detail. This is a complex story and there are many different levels, and representations of the beast. Golding wrote the book to show how political systems cannot control society effectively without considering the defects in our typical human nature.

 The novel takes place during World War II. Golding got the idea for the book because of his experiences in the war; he served in the Navy where he learnt the sinfulness of man. It’s interesting that the war is mentioned indirectly at the beginning and end of the novel but nowhere in between.

 Golding uses the weather to create atmosphere which is demonstrated in the tribal dance; there is a powerful, destructive storm, becoming stronger and more dominant, this setting is made to represent the destructive act that is about to happen; the killing of Simon, and how the beasts’ hold on the hunters tribe has become stronger, this image is created quickly, with meaning and is also disposed of quickly, showing Golding’s great talent, and how he makes the setting so vivid with the least effort.  

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 The defects of human nature are shown in Golding’s novel through the characters of Jack and his hunters. Here, Golding shows that men are fundamentally evil; and when left alone to fend for themselves, they revert back to the savage roots of their ancestors. This is seen in the novel towards the end, when the tribe is hunting Ralph. By now things have become out of hand, and there is little or no control. Even the naval officer who saves the boys knows their civilization has become savage. He explains various themes, and basic ideas that give the reader something ...

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