One use of symbolism the author uses is the conch shell. In the beginning of the novel, the conch shell represents power and authority. “...and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch.”(pg 23). Ralph saw the conch shell in a lagoon, “Ralph had stopped smiling and was pointing into the lagoon. Something creamy lay among the ferny weeds.”(pg 13). Ralph used the conch shell to take charge of the whole group. He became leader because all the boys voted for him over Jack. “‘All right. Who wants Jack for chief?’ With dreary obedience the choir raised their hands. ‘Who wants me?’ Every hand outside the choir except for Piggy’s hand was raised immediately.”(pg 23). He would blow in it to call them to meetings, and when someone wanted