Wednesday 22 October 2014

What do the boys have that is a symbol of authority in the society system?

The conch shell symbolically represents civilization, order, and structure throughout the novel. It is also considered a symbol of authority because everyone must assemble when it is blown, and any person holding the conch shell during the assemblies has the right to speak without being interrupted.


At the beginning of the novel, Ralph and Piggy discover a conch shell in the lagoon and immediately retrieve it. Ralph then blows into the conch, which summons the...

The conch shell symbolically represents civilization, order, and structure throughout the novel. It is also considered a symbol of authority because everyone must assemble when it is blown, and any person holding the conch shell during the assemblies has the right to speak without being interrupted.


At the beginning of the novel, Ralph and Piggy discover a conch shell in the lagoon and immediately retrieve it. Ralph then blows into the conch, which summons the boys to assemble on the platform. The boys are mesmerized by the beauty of the conch, which symbolically represents their initial affinity for civilization. Ralph is also elected leader of the group simply because he possesses the conch while the boys are voting. Rules are then established, and it is decided that whoever is holding the conch has the right to speak without being interrupted. Also, every time the conch is blown, the boys must assemble for a meeting. Being that the conch summons the boys to assemble and gives any boy the right to address the group, it is considered a symbol of authority throughout the novel.

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