Final answer:
In 'Lord of the Flies,' Simon postulates that the beast the boys fear might be symbolic of the intrinsic evil within themselves, representing a key theme of human nature's darkness.
Step-by-step explanation:
In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, as the boys make their way to the "castle", Simon's introspective nature leads him to have significant thoughts about the beast. Unlike the other boys who are becoming increasingly fearful and barbaric, Simon suggests that the beast might be something internal rather than a physical creature. He represents a moral compass amidst the chaos, proposing that the real beast may be the inherent evil within each person. Simon's contemplation about the beast being a part of the boys themselves is a crucial moment that hints at one of the novel's main themes: the darkness that resides within human nature.