Lord of the Flies the Conch Symbolism

Symbolism is defined as the representation; treatment or interpretation of things as symbolic. In society and in particular, literature, symbolism is a prominent component that helps to illustrate a deeper meaning then perceived by the reader. Symbolism can be anything, a person, place or thing. I think one of the most important symbol in the story Lord of the Flies is the conch. It represents civility and organization. It controls all the boys from talking at the same time. The conch stands for unity because when the conch is blown the boys stop whatever they are doing and unite as a group. "By the time Ralph finished blowing the conch the platform was crowded." page 32 The conch also represents civilized order. " We can use this to call the others. We can have a meeting. They'll come when they hear us." page 16. [Piggy] It prevents the boys from fighting and arguing so that they maintain an acceptable order. Piggy was the first to discover the conch. He always respected it along with Ralph. When the time came being at the meetings whoever was holding the conch was the only one that could speak. "And another thing. We can't have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have 'hands up' like at school. Then I'll give him the conch...and he won't be interrupted. Except by me." page 33 [Ralph] So in conclusion the conch was a representative of civility and organization towards the well beings of the boys of Lord of the Flies.