The beast is an unreal, psychological obstacle facing the boys of the island. It is symbolic of the 'darkness within man's own heart.' JAck uses the fear of the beastie to manipulate boys of the island into joining his tribe.
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Golding represents the beast in "Lord of the Flies" as a symbol of the boys' primal, savage instincts and the darkness within themselves. The beast is not a physical entity but rather a manifestation of fear and inner evil that grows as the boys lose their grip on civilization. It ultimately symbolizes the destructive power of human nature when left unchecked.