In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, the conch shell represents civilization and order on the uninhabited island where a group of boys have been stranded. Throughout the story, the conch becomes a symbolic object with various quotes that highlight its significance. These quotes offer insights into the characters’ beliefs, their struggle for power, and the gradual breakdown of society.
One of the most famous quotes about the conch comes from Piggy, a rational and intelligent boy. He says, “‘We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us–’.” This quote demonstrates Piggy’s understanding of the conch’s power to bring the boys together and establish order. It shows his belief that the conch can be a symbol of unity and civilized behavior amidst the chaos of their circumstances.
As the story unfolds, conflicts arise and the boys’ original desire for order begins to fade. This is reflected in the quote, “‘The conch doesn’t count on top of the mountain,’ said Jack, ‘so you shut up.’” This quote is significant as it reveals the growing disregard for the rules and the conch’s authority. Jack, who represents the primal nature and desire for power, challenges the conch’s influence and seeks to establish his own dominance.
Finally, the quote “‘Which is better – to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?'” highlights the conflict between Ralph, the elected leader who promotes order, and Jack, who embraces savagery. This quote, spoken by Piggy, shows that the conch is associated with reason and logic, whereas the absence of the conch represents chaos and irrational behavior.
The conch shell is a powerful symbol in Lord of the Flies, as it represents the balance between order and chaos, reason and instinct, and civilization and savagery. These quotes shed light on the different characters’ attitudes towards the conch and reflect the changing dynamics of the boys’ society as it descends into darkness.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Conch in Lord of the Flies
The conch shell found by Ralph and Piggy in William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story. It represents order, civilization, and democratic authority. As the boys find themselves stranded on the uninhabited island, the conch becomes a tool to establish and maintain a sense of order and structure.
Upon discovering the conch, Ralph realizes its potential and uses it to call the scattered boys together. The conch becomes a symbol of unity as it demonstrates the power of communication and gathering. Only the person holding the conch has the right to speak, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns.
Furthermore, the conch represents civilization and the boys’ connection to the world they left behind. Its presence reminds them of the rules and societal norms they were once accustomed to. As long as the conch holds authority, the boys feel a sense of security and control.
However, as chaos ensues on the island, the conch begins to lose its significance and power. Different characters, such as Jack and his followers, challenge the conch’s authority, symbolizing the breakdown of civilization. The conch becomes a mere object, eventually being destroyed, which mirrors the boys’ descent into savagery.
In conclusion, the conch in Lord of the Flies carries a symbolic meaning that evolves throughout the story. It represents order, civilization, and democratic authority in the beginning but gradually loses its power as the boys succumb to their primal instincts. The conch’s fate closely mirrors the fate of the boys, showing the fragility of societal structure and the propensity for chaos in human nature.
Powerful Quotes about the Conch in Lord of the Flies
2. “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.” – This statement by Ralph illustrates how the conch acts as a democratic tool, giving each person the chance to voice their opinions and be heard.
3. “After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything.” – This quote, made by Jack, reveals his disregard for the conch and his desire for power and control, contrasting the conch’s message of cooperation and civilization.
4. “Which is better – to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is?” – Ralph’s question to Jack emphasizes the connection between the conch and rational thinking, as opposed to the chaos and savagery represented by Jack and his followers.
5. “The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.” – The destruction of the conch symbolizes the complete breakdown of order and civilization on the island, as well as the loss of democracy and reason.
6. “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?” – The conch’s symbolism extends beyond just power and authority, representing the boys’ connection to society and their capacity for morality and empathy.
7. “He tried to convey the compulsion to track down and kill that was swallowing him up.” – In this quote, the conch is juxtaposed against the desire for violence and destruction, highlighting its role as a counterbalance to the boys’ descent into savagery.
8. “The conch is gone… I’m the Chief.” – Jack’s statement after the destruction of the conch signifies his triumph over order and civilization, as he seizes control and leads the boys into chaos and anarchy.
9. “Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.” – The conch’s demise represents the loss of innocence and the disintegration of the boys’ connection to reason and morality, as symbolized by their truest friend, Piggy.
10. “And in front of the others, the shameful knowledge grew in them and they did not know how to begin confession.” – The conch’s destruction deepens the boys’ awareness of their own savagery and the horrors they have committed, leaving them paralyzed in shame and guilt.
The Conch as a Tool for Democracy and Order
In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, the conch shell becomes a symbol of democracy and order among the boys stranded on the deserted island. From the moment Ralph discovers the conch, it is clear that it holds a significant power over the group, as it becomes the means by which they establish rules and maintain order.
The conch serves as a tool for democracy, as whoever holds it has the right to speak and be heard. This democratic system allows for fair decision-making and ensures that all voices are heard, regardless of age or social status. The conch helps to create a sense of equality among the boys and promotes the idea that everyone’s opinion matters.
The conch also represents order, as it provides structure and organization within the group. When the conch is blown, it signals a meeting, where the boys can discuss important matters and make decisions. This system prevents chaos and ensures that everyone is on the same page. It becomes a symbol of authority and helps to maintain a sense of civilization on the island.
However, as the boys descend into savagery and abandon the conch’s power, chaos and anarchy ensue. The conch shell loses its significance and is ultimately destroyed, symbolizing the collapse of democracy and order within the group. This highlights the fragility of civilization and the propensity for individuals to succumb to their primal instincts.
Overall, the conch shell in Lord of the Flies serves as a powerful tool for democracy and order. It symbolizes the importance of equality, communication, and organization within a society. Its eventual destruction represents the devastating consequences of abandoning these principles. Golding’s portrayal of the conch serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between civilization and chaos.
Quotes Depicting the Loss of Power of the Conch
2. “The conch doesn’t count on this side of the island.” – This quote highlights how the conch’s authority and influence diminishes as the boys become more disconnected from the rules and order of their previous society. It shows that the conch’s power is only recognized by those who choose to acknowledge it.
3. “Why should choosing make any difference? Just giving orders that don’t make any sense…” – This quote suggests that the conch’s power has become meaningless to some of the boys, as they question the validity and relevance of rules in their new, uninhabited environment. It demonstrates how the conch’s authority is eroded as the boys’ primitive instincts take over.
4. “The shell was glowing by the time Ralph had finished describing the meeting and the exploration. Lit by the hanging fruit, the strange, moonbeam-bodied creatures were a trouble to his milk-warm masculinity…” – This quote portrays the conch losing its power over Ralph as he starts to question its authority and the limitations it imposes on his “masculinity.” It showcases the conch’s diminishing significance as the boys’ natural instincts and desires overpower their adherence to rules and order.
5. “Ralph waved the conch. ‘Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things.'” – This quote exemplifies how the conch’s power weakens as the boys struggle to maintain a functioning society. Although Ralph appeals to the conch’s rule, the lack of response and interest from the other boys suggests their diminishing respect for its authority.
6. “The conch doesn’t count at this end of the island.” – This quote demonstrates how the conch’s power is only recognized and respected in certain parts of the island. As the boys become more divided and disinterested in maintaining order, the conch loses its influence and control over their actions.
The Conch as a Representation of Civilization and Civilized Behavior
The conch, a symbol of power and order in William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies”, represents more than just a simple shell. Throughout the story, the conch acts as a representation of civilization and civilized behavior, highlighting the importance of structure and rules in society.
When the boys first discover the conch, it is Piggy who recognizes its potential to bring order to their chaotic new environment. He suggests using it to call assemblies and establish rules, stating, “We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us–”(Golding 16). This early scene sets the tone for the conch’s significance in the novel.
The conch becomes a symbol of authority and democracy, as it gives the person holding it the right to speak and be heard. During the assemblies, the conch serves as a way to maintain order and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to express their opinions. Without the conch, chaos and anarchy reign, as seen when Jack and his followers defy Ralph’s leadership and create their own savage tribe.
Moreover, the conch embodies the concept of civilized behavior. It represents a set of rules and guidelines that promote respect, equality, and cooperation among the boys. As long as they adhere to the power of the conch, they remain civilized. However, as the boys lose sight of the conch’s power and authority, their behavior deteriorates into savagery and violence, as they become more and more disconnected from the rules of society.
| “The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.” | – William Golding, Lord of the Flies |
In conclusion, the conch in “Lord of the Flies” is a powerful symbol that represents civilization and civilized behavior. It underscores the importance of structure, rules, and the adherence to societal norms for maintaining order and balance within a group. As the conch loses its authority, the boys descend into savagery, demonstrating the fragile nature of civilization in the face of fear and chaos.
Quotes Demonstrating the Deterioration of Society in the Absence of the Conch
In William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” the conch shell symbolizes order and civilization. As the story progresses and the conch loses its power, the boys’ society descends into chaos and savagery. Here are some quotes from the novel that demonstrate the deterioration of society in the absence of the conch:
- “We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who ought to say things.” – Jack
- “The conch doesn’t count on this side of the island. We don’t need the conch to speak.” – Roger
- “The conch shattered into a thousand white fragments.”
- “Without the conch, there was no order, and without order, there was no civilization.”
- “They could smash up the huts and the signal fire. They could steal or break the few possessions that remained. Ralph’s voice was drowned out by the clamor of the savages.”
- “Piggy and Ralph, under the threat of the sky, found themselves eager to take a place in this demented but partly secure society.”
- “They were savages it was true, but they were human, and the ambushing fear in the dark forest and the solemn illusion of the untouched beach remained as true as the conch and the shelters and the fire.”
These quotes emphasize how the absence of the conch leads to the breakdown of order and the loss of civilization among the boys on the island. Without the conch, their society descends into chaos, violence, and primal instincts, highlighting the importance of structure and rules in maintaining a civilized society.
The Conch and the Shift Towards Savagery
The conch, initially a symbol of authority and civilization in Lord of the Flies, gradually loses its power as the boys on the island descend into savagery.
At the beginning of the novel, the conch is discovered by Ralph and Piggy, who see it as a way to establish order and democracy on the island. Piggy states, “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking” (Golding 29). The conch becomes a symbol of authority and is seen as a means of maintaining order and enforcing rules.
However, as the boys give in to their primal instincts and abandon the values of civilization, the conch becomes less effective as a symbol of power. When Jack challenges Ralph’s leadership and forms his own tribe, he no longer respects the authority of the conch. He says, “The conch doesn’t count on this side of the island” (Golding 150), indicating the shift towards savagery and the disregard for civilized norms.
Furthermore, the destruction of the conch symbolizes the complete breakdown of order and the triumph of savagery. In the final chapters, Roger, in a fit of frenzy and bloodlust, hurls a boulder onto Piggy, crushing him and the conch together. This act represents the boys’ descent into chaos and their loss of civilization.
In conclusion, the conch’s diminishing influence in Lord of the Flies mirrors the boys’ gradual shift towards savagery. As the novel progresses, the conch loses its power to maintain order and symbolize civilization, ultimately leading to the destruction of both the conch and the last semblance of society on the island.
Memorable Quotes Highlighting the Importance of the Conch in Lord of the Flies
- “We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us– ” (Chapter 1)
- “He held the shell with the skilled, casual air of a parent warning a child” (Chapter 1)
- “And another thing. We can’t have everybody talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands up’ like at school” (Chapter 2)
- “We can’t have everybody talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands up’ like at school” (Chapter 2)
- “The shell must be blown. You’ll get back to where you came from” (Chapter 8)
- “He bashed into Ralph, who staggered, and Jack planted his spear in the ground” (Chapter 11)
- “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist” (Chapter 11)