In the Story, What Does Golding Have to Say About Fear?

Question #4: In the story, what does Golding have to say about fear?

Through out this story Golding keeps on returning to the idea that fear is within everyone and that fear is created by the unknown in this case it is dark forest. Fear is part of every day life on the island. The boys are constantly scared of the beast and the thought of never being rescued and dieing on the island. In chapter one when the boys have first crashed on the island fear is one of the first emotions present, “we may stay here until we die.” Piggy says this after realizing their situation. Although surroundings may not look like a nice place to live there is nothing suggesting they will die there. This fear is created by the unknown of there future and if they will be found. It is because of the unknown that the boys are fearful they will die on that island. Later on in chapter 3 the fear of the unknown has quickly spread to the older boys. This is shown when Jack says, “There’s nothing in it of course. Just a feeling, but-being hunted, as is something’s behind you all the time in the jungle.” There is really nothing in the forest to be scared of but because of the unknown, while in the forest jack feels as if something is following him.

3. The beast is human. In the beginning of the book, a littlun told the others that he saw a beast in the jungle starting everyone's fears. However, it turns out that the beast is actually a parachutist and human, symbolizing that what they should be scared of is not some evil creature, but their own selves and other humans.

The little boys naturally think the beastie comes in the dark; fear of the unknown creature is that much greater when they can’t see it.

…fear can't hurt you any more than a dream. There aren't any beasts to be afraid of on this island . . . Serve you right if something