What does the beast symbolize in lotf?

In "Lord of the Flies," the beast symbolizes the primal instinct and inherent savagery within all humans. It represents the fear of the unknown and the darkness that exists within each character, reflecting the loss of civilization and the descent into chaos. As the boys' fear of the beast grows, it ultimately reveals their own inner demons and the capacity for violence and cruelty. The beast serves as a powerful metaphor for the moral and social decay that can emerge in the absence of order.