12. (the future of the beast and the boys)

Since as readers we know there is no beast, save for a stranded man with a parachute, it is safe to assume that the boys will never find the beast.  Thus, the fear that has been haunting the boys will remain in place, especially within those that have, indeed, seen the beast (Sam n Eric).  The actual future concerning the boys remains up to this point unclear, although it has been made very clear that there is the potential for some serious conflict.  Piggy and Jack have a strong bond of disliking for each other, while there is also the constant power-struggle between Jack and Ralph.  Throw all of that into a situation full of constant tension, possibly violent individuals, and the fact that Jack blew a chance to get them rescued, and it could all just boil over.  The fact that the boys seem to be becoming more violent as the story progresses is all the more worrisome.  At the same time, however, you do have certain individuals that could keep the peace.  Piggy would fall into that category if he didn't cause Jack so much anger, but the real mediator will have to be Simon.  The only issues there are that Simon is shy, and nobody really listens to him.