The Symbolic Conch Shell
The Various Meanings to a Simple Shell
A conch shell, found by two boys, held so much power. A simple shell on a deserted island, helped and hurt an entire group.
In the 'Lord of the Flies', a conch shell found by two main characters, Ralph and Piggy, becomes a symbol of power and leadership in a group of children on an abandoned island. Over the course of the book, the thoughts about the conch slowly change.
The couch is the item that brings everyone together in the early stages. In the beginning, the group uses the conch as a way to maintain order among them. They set up a set of rules related to the conch. Whenever it is blown, everyone must meet up. An individual may only speak after they are given the conch. This helps to make them a community. However, this doesn't last long....
Over time, some of the kids get restless with this approach. Chaos ensues as infighting begins. Slowly, the conch loses all its power over the group. Nobody, except Ralph and Piggy, show respect to the rules of the society. This, inevitably leads to the death of Simon.
The Shell Knows All