Evident in history, power and order comes into conflict when placed into the wrong hands. The conch is introduced to the readers, when Piggy and Ralph discovers it in the water, using it to communicate to other survivors (Golding 15-16). Throughout the novel, readers understand the deeper meaning of what the conch represents. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, shows symbolism of order, rules and power, through the conch, which later changes with the progression of the novel. Order is needed to get work done as it increases survival rates and as well as prevent chaos. The conch prevented disorder from happening when they created a system of government similar to democracy, having order for the boys during the beginning. As
…show more content…
This is exemplified when Ralph is elected as the chief of the English boys due to the reasoning of how he is the only to blow it (22-23). It displays how powerful the conch is, as it made the group vote for him for that reason. This also shows that power is given out to anyone who looks powerful, resembling how society can put a person in charge without thoroughly thinking if they are the best for that position. As the boys become chaotic and do not follow orders, Ralph becomes doubtful of his power: “If I blow the conch and they don’t come back; then we’ve had it” (92). He then also tells Piggy and Simon: “I ought to give up being chief,” which then Piggy and Simon responds that Ralph should remain as chief because they know Jack will abuse the power and kill them (93). Ralph starts to understand the responsibility of power and how he should use it for the better and not let Jack take it away from him. Readers are able to distinguish the conch is a powerful symbol and can be either used to help others or to create a totalitarian society. The power that Ralph had left is gone with the breaking of the shell: “The rock struck Piggy, a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” (181). Without the conch and Piggy, Ralph is by himself, making Jack have more power against him with his tribe. This is crucial to the plot because readers can understand that those without power are vulnerable and can be easily victimized by those who misuse power.
In Lord of the Flies, the meaning of the conch symbolizes order, rules and power. Golding uses the conch and the events of the novel to inform readers about what occurs in everyday society. He places importance of each one and indicates how without these; society cannot function, which is exhibited in the novel. Overall, the conch is an important symbol in which readers can understand how human nature is with and without order, rules and
This is exemplified when Ralph is elected as the chief of the English boys due to the reasoning of how he is the only to blow it (22-23). It displays how powerful the conch is, as it made the group vote for him for that reason. This also shows that power is given out to anyone who looks powerful, resembling how society can put a person in charge without thoroughly thinking if they are the best for that position. As the boys become chaotic and do not follow orders, Ralph becomes doubtful of his power: “If I blow the conch and they don’t come back; then we’ve had it” (92). He then also tells Piggy and Simon: “I ought to give up being chief,” which then Piggy and Simon responds that Ralph should remain as chief because they know Jack will abuse the power and kill them (93). Ralph starts to understand the responsibility of power and how he should use it for the better and not let Jack take it away from him. Readers are able to distinguish the conch is a powerful symbol and can be either used to help others or to create a totalitarian society. The power that Ralph had left is gone with the breaking of the shell: “The rock struck Piggy, a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” (181). Without the conch and Piggy, Ralph is by himself, making Jack have more power against him with his tribe. This is crucial to the plot because readers can understand that those without power are vulnerable and can be easily victimized by those who misuse power.
In Lord of the Flies, the meaning of the conch symbolizes order, rules and power. Golding uses the conch and the events of the novel to inform readers about what occurs in everyday society. He places importance of each one and indicates how without these; society cannot function, which is exhibited in the novel. Overall, the conch is an important symbol in which readers can understand how human nature is with and without order, rules and