On page 111, Simon tries to speak about what the beast really is. - What does Simon suggest the beast may be? 2. Do the other boys agree with him? How do they react to Simon when he tries to speak? Do they try to listen to him? 3How does this dialogue on p.111 relate to our own society?
Simon relates one of the main themes of the book. While the boys argue and speculate over the beast, Simon comments that whatever beast is on the island lies inside themselves: the beast is the darkness within the boys. Maybe,
" he said hesitantly, "maybe there is a beast." "What I mean is.....maybe it's only us."
This metaphor is, of course, too figurative for the boys to understand. His explanation falls into ruins and the boys mock him. Remember, Simon is Golding's Christ figure and his wisdom is beyond the grasp of the people he is trying to save.
