In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the conch shell is a powerful symbol that represents order, civilization, and the rule of law. Throughout the story, the conch is used to call assemblies and establish rules within the group of boys stranded on the desert island. As the novel progresses, the conch begins to lose its power and influence, reflecting the breakdown of societal order and the descent into savagery. This essay will explore the importance of the conch in Lord of the Flies through an in-depth analysis of key quotes that illustrate its changing role and the boys' evolving attitudes toward authority and leadership. By examining the conch shell quotes in the novel, we can better understand the themes of power, authority, and the loss of innocence that are at the heart of the story. Through this exploration, we will see how the conch serves as a metaphor for the fragility of civilization and the darkness inherent in human nature. Ultimately, the conch shell quotes in Lord of the Flies highlight the tension between order and chaos, as well as 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The first significant citation of the conch in Lord of the Flies occurs 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." Arrange 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 will 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 and more unruly and disobedient. This is evident when Jack, who represents the descent into savagery, says, “The conch don't count on the mountain top” (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 importance of these conch shell quotes lies in their depiction of the collapse of civilization and the loss of respect for authority, as well as the increasing influence of primal instincts and savagery. 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 have the conch...I have 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, representing brutality and lack of civilization, throws a huge stone at Piggy, causing him to fall to his death and shatter the conch. This act of destruction symbolizes the complete breakdown of order and the loss of the boys' innocence. As Piggy's death signifies 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. Quotations of conch shells in this context highlight themes of power, authority and..