LORD OF THE FLIES Chapter 5

The "beast" has become more than a hypothetical possibility. Most of the boys actually begin to believe in the prospect of a monster lurking in the jungle. Ralph tries to calm the boys with some rational reasons why there cannot be a beast. Jack recognizes the control to be had from fear and proclaims that he can protect them. Percival claims that the beast comes from the water setting off speculation of yet another beast on the island. This just adds to the fear and paranoia that has taken hold of the boys on the island.