What is the symbolism of the conch in Lord of the Flies?
The conch is used not only to call meetings but also to establish order when the boys talk. Thus, the conch symbolizes civilization, adult rules, and the democratic process. As Ralph is the first to utilize the conch as a social tool, it also becomes a symbol of Ralph’s legitimacy as a leader.
How does the conch symbolize power?
The conch symbolizes social order, respect and power. When the boys hold meetings around the camp fire, only the speaker who is holding the conch may address the crowd. The speaker with the conch is supposed to be respected by the group and heard.
How is the Conch a symbol of democracy?
The Conch, which is a big shell that can be seen at the beach symbolizes many things in the Lord of the Flies. The Conch represents power because it once was able to control the boys with it, and it also symbolizes democracy because of anyone who has their ideas and can speak their thoughts.
How is the destruction of the Conch symbolically significant?
How is the destruction of the conch symbolically significant? The destruction of the conch is significant as it symbolises the last hope of civilisation on the island being destroyed. The conch is smashed just as the order on the island is and it signifies that only Jack’s tribe of savages remain.
Why is the conch breaking important?
Used in this capacity, the conch shell becomes a powerful symbol of civilization and order in the novel. As the island civilization erodes and the boys descend into savagery, the conch shell loses its power and influence among them. Ralph clutches the shell desperately when he talks about his role in murdering Simon.
Why is the fire at the end of Lord of the Flies ironic?
After Ralph’s tense, exciting stand against the hunters, the ending of Lord of the Flies is rife with irony. Ralph had thought the signal fire—a symbol of civilization—was the only way to lure rescuers to the island. Much of the irony at the end of the novel stems from Golding’s portrayal of the naval officer.
Why was Simon mistaken for the beast?
He saw the only evil on the island was inside the boys themselves. When Simon sees the dead pilot he knew that, on a literal sense, he was the creature the boys mistook for the beast. As Simon crawled out of the jungle to proclaim the “good news”, he is mistaken for the beast and killed.
How does Jack respond to Piggy’s death?
Piggy’s body is washed away as if he is no more important than a pig “after it has been killed” and, except for Ralph’s inability to speak there is no remorse for what has just happened but only Jack “screaming wildly.” However, Jack’s screams are not of panic but of triumph.
What does Piggy’s asthma symbolize?
Piggy represents the scientific and rational side of humanity, supporting Ralph’s signal fires and helping to problem solve on the island. However, Piggy’s asthma, weight, and poor eyesight make him physically inferior to the others, making him vulnerable to scorn and ostracism.