Simon, a character in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, grapples with the boys’ growing fear of a “beast.” His doubt stems from a fundamentally different understanding of the source of fear and evil. Rather than attributing it to an external, tangible creature, he perceives the “beast” as an internal force, an inherent darkness within the boys themselves. He seeks to articulate this alternative perspective to the group, but struggles to convey his insight effectively.
This internal understanding of the “beast” is significant because it challenges the boys’ descent into savagery. By recognizing that the source of their fear and violence originates from within, the boys could potentially control it. The societal structures they initially established, intended to maintain order, crumble as their primal instincts take over. Simon’s view offers a path back to reason and self-control, emphasizing individual responsibility rather than projecting blame onto an external entity.
