(2) Trace the references to the beast in the novel. Try to parallel this with the diminishing sense of order on the island and the boys’ gradual embracing of Jack’s savagery. What is the true nature of the beast on the island that Simon in unable to verbally define? In the novel, there are many references to the beast. Each one illustrates the gradual decline of humanity, and the rising of savagery. Simon is the …showed first 75 words of 1966 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1966 total…of succumbing to the beast’s power. As we can see, there are numerous references to the beast throughout the novel, and each time, the boys on the island display a progressive decline towards savagery, and this is reflected through their actions and words. The beast that they all fear, regardless of how brave a front they put, is their own human nature, and under such circumstances, we can see this bestial nature being revealed.