The Symbolism of the Conch Shell in Lord of the Flies
05.11.2023 // By Tome Tailor
“We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us —” (Golding, 16)
In William Golding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies, a group of young boys finds themselves stranded on a deserted island without any adult supervision. Amidst the struggle for survival, a unique object captures their attention: a conch shell. In the story, the conch shell serves as a powerful and multilayered symbol that represents civilization, order, and authority. Throughout the novel, the conch shell’s meaning evolves along with the boys’ descent into savagery, ultimately highlighting the fragility of human society and morality.
The Conch as a Symbol of Civilization and Order
From the very beginning, the conch shell plays a vital role in establishing a semblance of order within the group of stranded boys. Ralph and Piggy, two of the main characters, stumble upon the conch while exploring the island. Realizing its potential as a signal for the other boys, they use the conch to gather everyone together for the first time. This initiates the formation of a democratic society, where the boys elect Ralph as their leader and establish the rule that whoever holds the conch has the right to speak during their meetings.
The conch, with its polished and pristine appearance, symbolizes the civilized society the boys initially strive to establish. It is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the world they left behind – a world with rules, hierarchies, and systems to maintain order. The conch’s power to bring the boys together emphasizes their innate desire to adhere to societal norms, despite their unfamiliar and challenging surroundings.
The Conch as a Symbol of Authority and Leadership
Not only does the conch shell represent civilization and order, but it also signifies authority and leadership. From the moment Ralph is elected as the leader, the conch becomes an important tool in delegating power and maintaining a sense of unity among the boys.
Whenever the conch is sounded, the boys are expected to assemble and listen to the person holding the shell. This showcases the respect and authority the conch holds, as it is seen as a symbol that facilitates democratic decision-making within the group.
However, as the plot progresses and tensions arise among the boys, the power of the conch begins to fade. Simultaneously, the boys’ adherence to civilized behavior wanes, too, signifying the role of the conch as a crucial symbol of authority and leadership.
The Destruction of the Conch and the Descent into Savagery
As the story continues, the conch’s symbolic power weakens, reflecting the boys’ steady descent into savagery. As they become more and more fixated on hunting and fulfilling their primal desires, their respect for the conch and the rules that it represents begins to diminish. The boys, led by the antagonistic Jack, start to ignore the conch and its democratic principles. This disintegration of the conch’s authority ultimately leads to the fragmentation of the group and a loss of their moral compass.
The turning point arrives when the conch shell is shattered during a moment of intense violence and chaos. The destruction of the conch signifies the total collapse of civilization and the boys’ complete descent into savagery. Its demise leaves the remaining boys stranded in a world with no rules, no order, and no governing principles.
Throughout Lord of the Flies, William Golding masterfully utilizes the conch shell as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the fragility of human civilization, leadership, and moral order. From a simple object found on a deserted island to a potent symbol of authority and later despair, the conch shell’s journey mirrors that of the boys and their harrowing descent into savagery. As a thought-provoking and enduring work of literature, Lord of the Flies serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting societal norms and maintaining the delicate balance between our primal instincts and our human values.
Captivated by the symbolism of the conch shell and the intricate themes explored in Lord of the Flies? Immerse yourself in William Golding’s classic tale by reading or listening to the book on Amazon.