Percival’s statement about the beast coming out of the sea silences the boys because it taps into their deepest fears. Throughout the novel, the boys grapple with the idea of a beast, a representation of their primal instincts and the unknown. When Percival claims that the beast emerges from the sea, it adds an ominous and tangible dimension to their fears.
The assembly of boys, already unsettled by the tension and their previous discussions about the beast, is suddenly struck by the imagery of something terrifying arising from the depths of the ocean. The sea is vast and largely unexplored, and this notion of danger lurking in its depths resonates deeply, as the boys are away from the safety and familiarity of their homes. This shared fear can result in a moment of collective silence, as the gravity of Percival’s words reflects their own dread and uncertainty.
Furthermore, the boys are at a stage where their rational thinking is increasingly overshadowed by fear and superstition. Percival’s claim crystallizes their fears into something concrete, giving them a sense of shared understanding and acknowledgment of danger. In that moment, the assembly’s quiet reflects not just the weight of his statement but also their understanding of the dark elements of human nature that the beast symbolizes.