Table of ContentsSymbolic Meaning of the ConchThe Conch as a Political ToolThe Disappearance of the ConchConclusionOne of the most important symbols in the novel is the conch shell, which serves as a tool to establish order and authority on the island. This essay will analyze the meaning and role of the conch in the novel, examining its symbolic significance, its function as a political tool, and its ultimate demise as a representation of the collapse of civilization. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Symbolic Meaning of the Conch From the moment the boys discover the conch on the island, it becomes a powerful symbol of order and civilization. The conch is used to convene meetings, and whoever holds it has the right to speak. This symbolizes the democratic process and the rule of law, as the conch ensures that everyone has an equal chance to express their opinions. The conch also represents the boys' desire to create a civilized society, as they initially use it to establish rules and organize their community. Additionally, the conch shell symbolizes the fragility of civilization and the human capacity to maintain order. Golding uses the conch to show that the rules and structures of society are not inherent in human nature but rather are created and maintained through collective agreements. As the conch begins to lose its power, it becomes apparent that the boys' civilized behavior is also diminishing, highlighting the delicate balance between order and chaos. The Conch as a Political Tool Throughout the novel, the conch serves as a political tool that reflects the changing power dynamics among the boys. Initially, the conch represents a form of democracy, because it allows everyone to have a voice in decision-making. However, as the boys divide and succumb to their primal instincts, the conch loses its authority. This reflects the breakdown of the boys' social order and the rise of dictatorship and tyranny. Furthermore, the conch shell symbolizes the boys' dependence on symbols of authority and the failure of these symbols to maintain order. Despite the boys' initial respect for the conch, it eventually becomes powerless in the face of the boys' increasing savagery. This demonstrates the limits of symbols and structures in preserving civilization, as they are ultimately fragile and subject to the darkest impulses of human nature. The Disappearance of the Conch The destruction of the conch symbolizes the complete collapse of the boys' society and the loss of their humanity. When Piggy, the voice of reason and intellect, is killed, the conch is also shattered, marking the end of any hope of a return to order and civilization. This event signifies the triumph of savagery and the boys' loss of connection with the outside world and with themselves. Furthermore, the disappearance of the conch shell reflects the overall theme of the novel, the fragility of civilization and the dark side of human nature. Golding uses the destruction of the conch to convey the idea that the rules and structures of society easily break down in the absence of outside authority. The broken state of the conch shell serves as a powerful symbol of the boys' descent into chaos and loss of their moral sense. Conclusion In conclusion, the Lord of the Flies conch shell is a multifaceted symbol that represents the boys' desire for order and civilization, the political dynamics of power and authority, and the ultimate breakdown of societal structures. Through the conch, Golding explores the delicate balance between.