In chapter 5, what is Simon referring to when he says, "maybe it's only us that we're afraid of"?

In
chapter 5,holds an assembly and chastises the boys for not completing necessary tasks or
following his directives. After criticizing the boys for their negligence and disobedience,
Ralph brings up the subject of the beast and says that they must decide that there is nothing to
it. Ralph understands that fear is the biggest obstacle in the way of their happiness and
insists that there is nothing to boys' belief in the beast. Bothandagree with Ralph's assessment
of the beast and believe that it is simply a figment of ' imaginations.

The
boys continue to argue over the existence of a beast beforespeaks up and says,
"Maybe...maybe there is a beast." The biguns are astonished by Simon's comment, and he
proceeds to say, "What I mean is...maybe its only us." Unlike the other boys, who
believe that the beast is a tangible, menacing creature roaming the island, Simon possesses a
unique understanding and knowledge of the beast. Simon understands that the beast is the
inherent wickedness inside each child. The beast is mankind's primitive nature, which is
awakened in an environment without rules, regulations, or adults. Later on, Simon hallucinates
and speaks to the , which confirms his belief that the beast is not something that can be killed
and is instead the inherent evil inside each boy.