Lord of the Flies

Novel | William Golding
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Discuss the significance of the conch in Lord of the Flies.

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Discuss the significance of the conch in Lord of the Flies. [2017] ✪✪✪

Or, What is the function of the conch? [2015]

William Golding (1911–1993), in his famous novel “Lord of the Flies” (1954), uses the conch shell as a powerful symbol of civilization and democracy. The conch stands for law, order, and communication. Through it, Golding shows how human society begins and collapses.

Symbol of Order and Authority: The conch first appears when Ralph and Piggy find it on the beach. Piggy says it can be used to call the others. Ralph blows it, and all the boys gather for the first meeting. It becomes a tool of leadership and organization. Ralph says, 

“We can use this to call the others.” 

The conch gives the holder the right to speak. It shows respect for rules and equality. It becomes the foundation of the democratic order among the boys. It brings structure to their small society.

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nk Between Civilization and Unity: The conch unites the boys under one system of rules. It represents the voice of reason and cooperation. When Ralph holds it, the boys listen and discuss problems together. The shell connects them to the civilized world they have lost. But as fear and savagery grow, the boys stop respecting the conch. Jack mocks its power and says, 

“Conch! Conch! We don’t need the conch any more.” 

This shows the rejection of law and reason, and the rise of chaos and division.

Destruction of the Conch: At the end, Roger rolls a boulder that kills Piggy and shatters the conch. The narrator says, 

“The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments.” 

The breaking of the conch marks the death of order and justice. It means the complete end of civilization on the island. With the conch gone, only violence remains. Ralph loses his authority, and the boys become total savages.

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William Golding
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from Lord of the Flies