In the novel Lord of the Flies, what page is Simon's quote suggesting that the beast is within them?
In Chapter 5, on page 89 of the Perigee Book Edition, Simon attempts to explain the true nature of the beast during an assembly. After Percival Wemys Madison claims that the beast comes out of the sea, the entire group of boys becomes silent and stares at the vast ocean. Maurice then comments that his father told him that there are numerous unidentified animals in the sea, but admits that he still agrees with Piggy that "life's scientific" and there is no beast. Ralph becomes frustrated because there is no clear agreement on the identity or nature of the beast. Simon then says, "maybe there is a beast" (Golding 89). He attempts to articulate his thoughts but hesitates, and the rest of the boys begin to yell and criticize him before he has a chance to elaborate on his statement. Simon tried to explain that the beast was actually the inherent evil that each boy possessed on the island. Golding writes, "Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness" (89).
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