In the context of the story, the beastie represents the boys' fear of the unknown and their primal instincts. As the story progresses, the fear of the beastie grows and starts to dominate their thoughts and actions.
The beastie's dominance over the meetings can be seen as a reflection of how fear can overpower rational thinking and decision-making. When the boys gather in the meetings, their discussions become increasingly focused on the beastie and how to confront or appease it. This fear takes precedence over other important matters, such as organizing themselves, finding food, or establishing rules.
The dominance of the beastie in the meetings highlights the impact fear can have on individuals and groups. It shows how fear can distort priorities and lead to chaos and conflict.
To delve deeper into this topic and gain a more comprehensive understanding, it would be advisable to read the relevant chapters of the book and analyze the characters' thoughts, actions, and interactions in relation to the beastie.