What Does The Conch Symbolize In Lord Of The Flies

3.2.1

Several important symbolisms are present throughout Lord of the Flies, these connect the little island community to the rest of the world. When the kids land on the island, there is mayhem; everyone is scattered. Right there is when Piggy finds a conch, which becomes the first symbolized object in the book. It represents authority, law, and order. The conch is what’s used to unite the group, and to solve disputes. It’s a symbol of civilization. As the book goes on, and the island civilization loses is legitimacy, and with it does the conch. Piggy is the symbol of the world of science. Contributing considerably to the advances of kids, but largely under appreciated. His ideas are stolen, and he is used and abused throughout the book, just

like the world’s scientific body.

The beacon of hope, the chance of rescue, the way out; all of this was represented by the signal fire. Using Piggy’s glasses, this fire was established at the top of the mountain. Ralph was put in charge of maintaining it, but in wanting to prove himself as a hunter, he neglected it and let it go out. Right then, a ship passed. Ralph, being the antagonist to Jack’s leadership, serves as another important symbolism; he’s the things in life that are uncontrollable and just don’t go our way. When you tell him “build a shelter,” he runs off with the builders and does his own thing. There is the irrational fear and unknowing in the world; the Beast. It portrays savagery. Scary but unfounded, it drives fear into some of the kids. Later, they realize that the beast only exists within them, symbolizing primal instinct. The last important symbolism is the relationship between the liluns and biguns; the weak and the strong. There will always be those who are able and having to carry the rest. Using all these symbols, William Golding ties this story in with

reality.

3.2.2
As the loser of the group, even though he has the best ideas, his voice is often not heard.

Piggy is the brainy part of civilization. He is heard saying “Life … is scientific.” The whole island is only populated with boys. Trough quoting his aunt, Piggy provides the only female voice in the whole group. Lacking vital leadership qualities, he could not be in charge of the civilization, but has to channel his influence through advising Ralph. When the conch is discovered, Piggy said to Ralph: “We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They'll come when they hear us—.” When the boys were tasked to make a fire, it was Piggy, who came up with the idea of using his “specs” to start it. He was always intent on maintaining a civilization mirroring the one they just left. In many ways, he is too focused on trying to maintain it, when Simon dies, Piggy thought and said “What’s grownups goin' to think?” instead of the emotional response of mourning. This Practical approach didn’t do him any favours in connecting with the other boys. When confronted with a problem, Piggy is rational. Whereas the other boys are easily influenced by scary thoughts and rumours, Piggy kept “searching for a formula” when trying to explain Simon’s

death.
3.2.3
William Golding's writing in Lord of the Flies is filled with description, symbolism and characterization. Everything, starting with his detailed images of the forest, or jungle, to the sweat dripping down Jack's forehead is lively and used for a reason. Golding's language was always in line with what’s happening to his characters. When Simon was being killed by his friends, "There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws." After he is killed, the language takes gentler turn. Golding's Jesus has been killed and his language reflects this, "...moonbeam bodied creatures with fiery eyes. ..moving patches of light as they gathered at the edge." This is lively writing. There are moments where Golding lapses into a detailed description of a tree, a bush or the sea, some can appreciate this; however, all should forgive it. Golding attempts to link human nature with the natural world and it’s rhythms. The resulting novel will be around long after both of us are gone.