Lord of the Flies- Character Analysis Assignment
The conch is the main symbol of
civilized behaviour on the island
because of the unity, law and
sensibility it creates within
the group. Throughout the
novel, Ralph uses the conch as a
tool to keep himself and the boys
civil, but constantly struggles against
the savage pressures from the uncivilized island.
The conch represents the civil and sensible side
of Ralph that is most prominent in the beginning
of the novel, but does occasionally get eclipse by
his inherent evil inside.
From their very first day on the island, the
conch brings the boys together with its call,
makes Ralph the leader with its presence, and
creates a system of civil communication within
the group assemblies. Ralph said once, “‘that’s
what this things shell’s called. I’ll give the conch
to the next person to speak. He can hold it when
he’s speaking’… ‘And he won’t be interrupted.
Except by me’”(31).
Ralph
Throughout his time on the
island, Ralph watches once civilized
boys turn into hunting beasts. And at
times, he himself falls victim to the
approaching savageness on the island.
“‘Piggy and Ralph,
under the threat
of the sky, found
themselves eager
to take place in
this demented
but partly secure
society. They
were glad to touch
the brown backs of the fence that
hemmed in the terror and made it
governable’” (167-168). It was at this
moment that Ralph, through group
mentality, gave way to the inherent
evil within himself and witnesses the
murder of a friend, Simon, yet dose
nothing to stop it.