The beast is non-existent, yet it cannot be tamed. It is a figment of the human imagination, but it still causes fear. Sometimes, it only takes thought to produce fear, even in the bravest of minds. Thoughts have the ability to produce images, which leads the mind to believe that the beast is real. The author uses various techniques to portray the beast’s significance in “Lord of the Flies”. In this story, this “beast” is shown to be a symbol of hatred, causing the children to fear and despise it. Some of these techniques include symbolism, irony, and character behaviour.
Initially, one of the most visible techniques used to show that the beast is presumed real is symbolism. For example, Piggy being bullied by the other children because of his certain characteristics such as his weight. An example of this is when he states “'I don't care what you call me so long as...it's not what they used to call me in school...They used to call me Piggy!'" (pg. 11). This symbolizes the beast’s significance, precisely because it shows the reader how fear can lead to irrational decisions and conclusions. It also shows how consumed people become with their beliefs. …show more content…
Jack, Ralph, and Piggy acted like wild animals when they were violently murdering Simon as though he was the best they thought. Their behaviour could have been the beast inside them all along, but they may have not realized it. Just like their behaviour towards Simon, the beast is also presumed to be a wild and violent creature, who will show no mercy to its prey, just as Jack,Ralph, and Piggy showed not even the slightest mercy proven by this ‘Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!'"(Chapter 9). To Simon when they pushed him off the cliff and killed him. Every bit of their anger and depression has demonstrated their ability to act like the beat within themselves, and maybe that is why they killed Simon without any