Quotes from Lord of the Flies:
Conch:
“We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear this” (p 16)
This quote demonstrates the symbolism of the conch because it shows its power. A simple blow of the conch could immediately make all the boys on the island gather to listen to Ralph. The boys on the island had to listen to the conch and if they heard Ralph blow it they would have to gather for a meeting.
”I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.” (p 33)
This quote exemplifies the symbol of democracy of the conch. Ralph is using it to make sure that all the boys will be treated equally and fairly. He wants to make sure that everyone will get a chance to be heard. It also shows the power of the conch because the boy holding the conch had the power to speak and express his ideas and opinions.
“The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee;the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.” (p 181)
This quote testifies the symbol of civilization and its demise in the novel. The conch represents a civilized society and when it breaks the boys seem to become savage and the thoughts of civilization is destroyed along with the shell.
Quotes from literary criticism:
"Because it brings all of the boys together, the conch immediately becomes a symbol of authority, and since Ralph is the one who found and blew the conch, the boys quickly give him authority by electing him chief."
Conch:
“We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear this” (p 16)
This quote demonstrates the symbolism of the conch because it shows its power. A simple blow of the conch could immediately make all the boys on the island gather to listen to Ralph. The boys on the island had to listen to the conch and if they heard Ralph blow it they would have to gather for a meeting.
”I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.” (p 33)
This quote exemplifies the symbol of democracy of the conch. Ralph is using it to make sure that all the boys will be treated equally and fairly. He wants to make sure that everyone will get a chance to be heard. It also shows the power of the conch because the boy holding the conch had the power to speak and express his ideas and opinions.
“The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee;the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.” (p 181)
This quote testifies the symbol of civilization and its demise in the novel. The conch represents a civilized society and when it breaks the boys seem to become savage and the thoughts of civilization is destroyed along with the shell.
Quotes from literary criticism:
"Because it brings all of the boys together, the conch immediately becomes a symbol of authority, and since Ralph is the one who found and blew the conch, the boys quickly give him authority by electing him chief."