When the boys first arrive on the island, they feel a sense of freedom and excitement, but they also gradually succumb to the harsh realities of their situation. The jungle, with its dense vegetation and mysterious sounds, becomes a source of fear and anxiety. The boys' primal instincts surface, leading them to imagine the presence of a monstrous beast that threatens their safety.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the real beast is not an external creature but the darkness that resides within each boy. The boys' struggle to maintain order and reason deteriorates as they embrace their feral nature. The division of the group, the formation of tribes, and the increasing acts of violence indicate their transformation into savage creatures.
The boys' fear of the beast serves as a metaphor for the destructive power of fear itself. It clouds their judgment and leads them to make irrational decisions, such as hunting the perceived beast and engaging in primitive rituals. The beast becomes a symbol of their loss of innocence, their reversion to primal instincts, and the erosion of their civilized nature.
Ultimately, the beast represents the boys' confrontation with their own inner demons and the darker side of human nature. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can crumble when faced with adversity.