Lord Of The Flies Beast Analysis

The subject of human nature is a prominent theme in Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies. The novel suggests, through the actions of the characters, that the capability for evil is an inherent part of the individual but whether one gives in is ultimately a product of the choices one makes. The Lord of the Flies, as a manifestation of the Beast is representative for this capability for evil. Roger and Ralph serve as opposing characters, one with a willingness to commit evil and another who resists.

The capability for evil is inherent in humans and this is represented in the novel by the Beast. A product of the boys’ imaginations, the Beast is a monster that the boys believe exists on the island and are frightened of. It is symbolic of the dormant

It is shown from the beginning of the novel that Ralph wants to do what is ‘right’. Through the constant use of ‘ought to’s in phrases such as “we ought to have a meeting”, “we ought to have a chief” and “we ought to draw a map”, Golding makes it evident that Ralph think that the boys should do something because it is the right thing to do. However, it is clear that he still has savage instincts that reside within him, demonstrated by his participation in the tribal dances. During the mock-pig hunt, Ralph, caught up in the frenzy created by the other boys, “was fighting to get near, to get a handful of that brown vulnerable flesh. The desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering.” Through that quote, it is evident that Ralph temporarily gave in to his savage urges to harm others. He also partakes in the tribal dance which results in Simon’s death, once again overcome by savagery shown by the quote, “Piggy and Ralph . . . found themselves eager to take a place in this demented but partly secure society.” However, in the aftermath, he feels remorse and horror at the boys’ actions upon coming to his senses, saying “That was Simon . . . That was murder.” The use of truncated sentences in comparison to Piggy’s longer ones helps to convey how Ralph is shaken by the actions of the night before. Furthermore, through the quote “I