Throughout the novel, the boys fear an imaginary "beast." They have numerous discussions in regards to the identity of the "beast" and where it resides on the island. While the older boys on the island try convincing the littluns that the "beast" doesn't exist, only Simon understands the true identity of the "beast." During an assembly, Ralph, Jack, and Piggy attempt to convince the littluns that the "beast" doesn't exist. When Simon attempts to give his insight on the matter, he cannot seem to find the words to express his thoughts. Golding writes, "Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind’s essential illness" (126). Through Simon's interpretation, Golding suggests the "beast" is actually mankind's inherent evil. Golding believed all humans are inherently wicked and the only thing that prevents individuals from acting on their primitive instincts is structured society. In his novel, the boys gradually descend into savagery because there are no rules and regulations to prevent them from harming one another. According to William Golding, the “beast” essentially resides in a person’s soul.
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