The Conch's Symbolism
The conch was a symbol of law and order, at the beginning of the story if someone was talking with the conch they had to respect the person and listen to them. But throughout the story, the savagery of the kids make the conh lose its power
- "We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting" (Golding 16). - When the boys first arrived on the island, they used it to call everyone together. The kids that came respected Ralph because he had the conch
- "I've got the conch..." (Golding 83). - Jack was the one who said this, and even him being the one against society, he even is telling everyone to listen to him because he had the conch.
- "I know. They didn't come for the conch" (Golding 168). - Piggy was surprised because Jack and his hunters had just attacked them, but did not try to seal the conch. This shows how the kids are starting to think that the conch is not important.