Conch Shell In Lord Of The Flies

In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, there are plenty of symbolic objects that are used. But, one of the most significant symbol that Golding utilizes is the conch shell. This shell is visualized as power and authority, which is a great importance to the boys. All of them value this object because it represents an individual as a commander. It is also used for gatherings of the group and when an individual wishes to speak. However, as the story keeps ascending and the boys gain savagery, the shell’s dominance begins to gradually cascade. The conch is destroyed towards the end, which also eventually destroys the importance of power. Golding demonstrates how the conch shell is a symbol towards a breakdown of a civilization when power …show more content…
The group of boys are not yet used to being independent in a situation where you can not depend on anyone. There are no adults, or parents to make sure one is well taken care of. Which evidently, leaves the responsibility to the boys.They have to either ignore the fact that there has to be a leader, or elect a representative to be their voice since they “can’t have everyone talking at once” (31) They need a person to evaluate their ideas. The conch shell is used to give one the privilege to speak and represent potential. Which is why many of the boys biker over who has the conch shell. Ralph is felt jealousy of by many because Piggy wants “him to be chief” (19) he believes that Raph has the capacity to be ruler and because he in the end, is the one who actually found and created the task for shell. Ralph is a responsible young boy that is in charge for most, like for meetings “the being had blown that, had sat waiting for them on the platform. (22) He triumphantly achieves for a well kept society. However, Ralph is not liked by all. One of the boys, Jack has a strong dislike for him because he, in his mind believes Ralph is better than him. He does not want to share the power of the conch any longer. He wants to have hold of all power, and acquires to enthrall everyone to him “I’m chapter chorister and head boy. …show more content…
It no longer has control and authority for the group. All of them are in chaos, which is hard to control, once savagery touches their mind and soul. The respect for the conch slowly keeps dropping. Not only visually but it is also not obeyed in certain cases. Which means, that the hard work Ralph put in all of this, is quickly becoming unworthy. He even has to “wave the conch once more” (85) to get the attention of everyone. He tries to make silence and prove the power of the conch. But, nobody wants to listen anymore. Most of the boys have already gained a different type of mentality towards a civilization. Ralph’s power is also being degenerated since “they hate you Ralph… they’re going to do you.” (209) Jack utterly hates Ralph and wishes to be better than him. Which eventually leads him to having a very high alter ego. Jack is withdrawn from the idea of following, but rather wishes to be followed and obeyed. This leads to the catastrophe of an unformed civilization. Once the conch loses complete control and is “exploded into a thousand white fragments” (181) it is evidently clear that the last remnants of civilization are now left to rot alone in the island. The shell is no longer worth anything to the tribe and most of the boys. It is destroyed. It also takes the power that is used to control a society in the deserted island. The boys are now left with dealing with their own