In addition to the degradation of the hunters, the deterioration of several symbols illustrates civilization’s collapse and man's emerging savage nature as a result. One symbol, the conch, represents democratic order due to its use in calling assemblies. Such gatherings create a temporary guise of civilization. For example, when Ralph explains, "'I'll give the conch to the next person to speak….And he won't be interrupted.” (), he imposes rules followed in school, where school acts as a foundation for the basis of civilization. Over time, however, the conch’s colors fade, starting with pinks and rich creams and ending with a bleached white. The drastic color change represents the fade of order within the island microcosm. Eventually, when order