How Does Golding Present The Conch In Lord Of The Flies

In the novel Lord of The Flies by William Golding, symbolism was a frequent and helpful tool used by the author. Symbols are a huge part of the novel in helping the reader understand the plot, conflict, and characters in a deeper way. Physical items such as the conch, Piggy’s specs, and the fire hold deeper meaning and show more insight into the author’s purpose and theme. The conch was introduced at the very beginning of the novel. Right from the start, the conch was represented as a way to hold order, as Ralph used it to call assemblies and to determine who was speaking in an orderly way. “‘I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking,’” (Golding 33) said Ralph in an attempt to make rules and order. The conch was used through the entirety of the novel to call assemblies and prevent people from interrupting. Order was held whenever the conch was present. Near the end of the novel, the conch was shattered just as Piggy was killed. “The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist. Piggy, saying nothing, with no time for even a

This was used as a way to represent the sanity, intelligence, and civilization of the boys. Part way into the book, Jack hit Piggy and broke one lens of his glasses. “Ralph made a step forward and Jack smacked Piggy’s head. Piggy’s glasses flew off and tinkled the rocks… ‘one side’s broken,’” (Golding 71). This was the first time any rules were broken, and Jack’s violent outburst was the first time any rules were broken and Piggy’s broken lens was a direct result of that. Later in the novel, Jack and his boys attacked the remainder of the boys and stole Piggy’s glasses. “‘They’ve got our fire… they stole it,’” (Golding 169). Piggy’s glasses were stolen, resulting in no fire and symbolizing the completely dissipated remains of sanity and