Lorraine Bueno

                                    Lord of the Flies

 In the novel, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, a conch shell is used to symbolize order. The book is about a group of boys that get stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. With no adults to set the rules, the boys must decide how they’re going to keep the order. Throughout the novel the boys use a conch that symbolizes the evolution of order on the island from immaturity, to responsibility and at last to slow the breakdown of the order.

With the exception of Piggy, the boys in the island are extremely immature. At the begging when Ralph and Piggy explore the island, the boys find a conch shell. Piggy sees how important it is but Ralph believes it is a “pretty and worthy plaything” (pg.13). The immaturity of the boys is also shown when Ralph uses the conch shell to make a “farting noise” (pg.13) instead of using it “to call the others” like Piggy suggested. The boys in the island ignore the reality of their problems and instead spend their time playing around.

The shell demonstrates the temporary order of the island when Ralph finally decides to listen to Piggy and uses it to call a meeting. Ralph blew on the shell and “a deep harsh note boomed” (pg.14). With this noise he was able to call the rest of the kids stranded in the island to him. The shell also symbolizes order when the rules are made. It is decided that the boys can only speak when they are holding “the conch” (pg.29). Ralph decides on this rule because it will keep the boys from all talking at once and that way everyone can hear what they have to say.

The breakdown of order begins when the boys leave a meeting to start a fire. When the idea was suggested everyone left without listening for instructions “Ralph was left, holding the conch, with no one but Piggy” (pg.33). This shows us that the boys lose the respect for authority and for order. Another example that demonstrates the breakdown of order after the fire burns out. Everyone gets angry at each other and even though Piggy “[had the conch]”, Jack tells him to, “shut up” (pg.37). This also shows that the boys no longer have an interest for following the rules and are no longer scared of the consequences.

The conch shell in the novel, Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, represents the various stages of order in the island. The boys go from being extremely immature, to having a symbol of authority and rules. After getting to know each other and having more confidence among themselves the boys lose that sense of order, and end up right where they began.