The Conch Shell In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

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When one becomes stranded on an island, a few essential things come to mind; the need to find water, food, shelter, etc… But once the rules of civilization no longer apply, priorities change, and so do people. In William Goldberg’s novel Lord of the Flies, a conch shell is used as a representation of authority, as well as a measure of one’s relationship to society. While the shell is at first regarded as a unitary power, it gradually becomes less important to the boys as they begin to turn to evil. Golding uses the conch to illustrate his idea that humans are by nature evil, and once are no longer confined by the morals and obligations of a civilized society, will submerge into complete savagery. In the beginning of the story, the conch is used to bring together all the boys on the island, establishing itself early on as a symbol of power and unity. For this reason, it becomes the main factor of which Ralph is elected chief. The boys all shout, “Him with the shell. Ralph! Ralph! Let him be chief with the trumpet-thing” (Golding, 22); the simple fact that Ralph possessed the conch - a symbol of power and authority, was enough for him to be chosen as chief. …show more content…

“We don’t need the conch any more. We know who ought to say things…It’s time some people knew they’ve got to keep quiet and leave deciding things to the rest of us” (Golding, 101-102). Here, Jack shows how the shift in social order is linked to the demise of the conch. As the boys start to ignore the conch, they turn to Jack who presents himself as a strong leader fit to take its place, preaching the ideals of a lawless society. Meanwhile, Ralph and Piggy continue to push the importance of the conch, so as to protect the authority and sense of civility it

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