Conch Lord Of The Flies Quote Analysis

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In "Lord Of The Flies,"by William Golding, the conch shell is a powerful symbol that represents order, democracy, and civilization on the island. The conch plays a significant role in the novel, and its symbolism evolves as the boys' society as the island changes. "The shell was no longer a thing seen but not to be touched, Ralph too was fighting to get near, to get a handful of that brown, vulnerable flesh. The desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering"(104). This quote illustrates the initial power and respect that the boys have for the conch. It represents their attempts to establish order and democracy on the island, and it becomes a symbol of Ralph's leadership. "The conch doesn't count on top of the mountain... We'll go later to the