The symbol that is shown throughout the novel is the conch shell. It is a symbol of civilization to the boys and is used during meeting and provides power to whoever is holding it. The shell gives them the power to speak. The shell is developed throughout the first three chapters as it starts to show the boys adapting to their new environment and beginning to realize what needs to happen in order to create order and make things work. The shell was also a large symbol of authority and leadership. The boys feel that the “ ‘ [ him ] with the [ trumpet thing ]’” should be chief. The shell is used to instill order in the group of boys especially when things are chaotic. This is also the first symbol of the innocence slowly fading away from the
