What are the various reactions of the boys to the beast lord of the flies?

The boys react to the idea of the beast in various ways. Some, like Simon, see it as a metaphor for the darkness within themselves and in humanity. Others, like Jack, use the fear of the beast to control and manipulate the other boys. Ultimately, the existence of the beast becomes a manifestation of the boys' inner savagery and descent into primal instincts.