boys The boundaries between right and wrong blur as the boys surrender to their primal urges Golding highlights the regression from civilized beings to primal instincts Desensitization to Violence As the story progresses the mock hunts become increasingly violent It reflects the boys' growing detachment from the moral constraints of society The line between play and reality blurs as seen when the boys chant Kill the beast Cut his throat Spill his blood This transformation signifies their descent into savagery and the erosion of their humanity Foreshadowing of Tragedy The mock-hunts predict the tragic events that unfold later in the novel They signify the tensions and conflicts within the group It hints at the eventual breakdown of civilization on the island Golding uses these hunts to warn of the upcoming chaos and violence It flashes as the boys lose their humanity As Ralph reflects Things are breaking up I don't understand why In essence the significance of the mock hunts in Lord of the Flies lies in their portrayal of power dynamics and loss of innocence All of these contribute to the novel's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature