In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the conch is a powerful symbol representing order, civilization, and the rule of law. Throughout the story, the conch is used to call assemblies and establish rules within the group of kids stranded on the desert island. As the novel progresses, the conch begins to lose its power and influence, mirroring the collapse of the social order and the descent into wilderness. This essay will explore the meaning of the conch in Lord of the Flies through careful analysis of key quotes that illustrate its changing role and boys' changing attitudes towards authority and leadership. By examining shell quotes in the novel, we can gain a deeper understanding of the themes of power, authority, and loss of innocence that are central to the story. Through this exploration, we will see how the conch serves as a metaphor for the fragility of civilization and the inherent darkness of human nature. Ultimately, the conch quotes in Lord of the Flies highlight the tension between order and chaos and the struggle to maintain a sense of humanity in the face of primal instincts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first significant mention of the conch in Lord of the Flies is when Piggy first introduces the conch as a means of maintaining order and authority on the island. When he suggests using the conch to call a meeting, he says, "We can use it to call others. Hold a meeting. They will come when they hear us" (Golding 16). This quote demonstrates Piggy's belief in the conch as a symbol of authority and his hope that it can help establish rules and order among the boys. However, as the story progresses, the conch begins to lose its power as the boys become more rebellious and disobedient. This is evident when Jack, who represents the descent into the wilderness, says, “The shell doesn't count at the top of the mountain” (Golding 163). This quote marks a turning point in the novel, as the conch is no longer recognized as a symbol of authority and order, and the boys begin to reject the rules and structure it represents. The significance of these shell quotes lies in their depiction of the collapse of civilization and loss of respect for authority, as well as the growing influence of primal instincts and ferocity. Ultimately, these quotes highlight the theme of the fragility of civilization and the struggle to maintain order in the face of the boys' descent into darkness. Another important conch quote that illustrates its changing role in Lord of the Flies is when Piggy states, “I took the conch…I had the right to speak” (Golding 90). This quote reflects Piggy's belief in the power of the conch to grant him the authority to speak and be heard, despite his physical weakness and lack of influence. However, this belief is shattered when Roger, who represents brutality and lack of civility, throws a huge stone at Piggy, causing him to fall to his death and shattering the shell. This act of destruction symbolizes the complete breakdown of order and the loss of innocence among the boys. Since Piggy's death marks the end of the conch's influence, the quote serves as a poignant reminder of the futility of maintaining order and the fragility of civilization in the face of primal instincts. Conch quotes in this context highlight themes of power, authority, and..