The beast symbolises the darkness of human nature. Instead of the literal and physical beast that most of the little-uns feared, the beast actually lies in the hearts of the boys, which causes the boys to descend into savagery and violence. The descent into violence and savagery also includes the massive fight for power between Jack and Ralph, causing the animosity between the boy and also the separation of the whole group. Several antagonistic meetings between the boys eventually caused the unfortunate deaths of Piggy and Simon. Therefore, the beast represents the darkness within the hearts of the boys, which manifests itself into the violence that is seen in the boys' actions.
-Valerie Tang and James Howe.
-Valerie Tang and James Howe.