In William Golding’s book, lord of the Flies, multiple symbols are used to convey deeper themes and meanings. The most significant symbols in the novel are the conch shell, the signal fire, and ‘the beast’. All of these symbols play an essential role in the narrative, reflecting the overall themes and character development.
One of the first symbols to be introduced in the book is the Conch Shell. The conch shell serves as a symbol of order, civilization, and democracy. At the beginning of the book, Ralph and Piggy use the conch shell to summon the scattered boys on the island. When holding a meeting only the person who is holding the conch shell can speak, establishing the shell as a symbol of authority. The shell represents the rule of law and the importance of order in society. The Conch Shell is also used to convey Ralph's commitment to civilization and order, as shown by Ralph's obsession and commitment to the conch. As Ralph loses faith in the idea of civilization on the island, he loses faith in the conch. As the story progresses the conch loses its power and influence, mainly due to Jack taking control of the island and establishing an Anarchy.
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At the novel's start, Ralph emphasizes the need for a fire to create smoke in an attempt to attract passing ships or planes. The signal fire represents their desire to maintain ties with civilization and return to a civilized world. However, as the boys become more engrossed in their primal instincts and obsession with hunting, the signal fire starts to become ignored. This symbolizes their increasing detachment from society and their eventual transformation into savage beasts. The fire eventually burning out represents their loss of civilization and their descent into