Lord of the Flies

Symbolism -- it gives deep shades of meaning to even the most mundane everyday objects and events. In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, symbolism is used at every turn of every page, from the largest and most influential events, to something as small as a pair of glasses. Throughout the novel, the author hides powerful messages in some very unlikely places. Golding uses simple symbols such as the conch, Piggy's specs, and the signal fire to display his beliefs on human nature and society, rendering the novel and allegory. Golding uses the conch to illustrate the ability of objects are used to give people power, like a crown or scepter. When Ralph first gets the confidence to propose that a leader is required, it is from the conch. From then on, the conch is used as his support." 'Shut up', said Ralph absently. He lifted the conch. 'Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things' "(Golding, 29). His forcefulness gains respect from the others, and when "Ralph smiled and held up the conch for silence"(Golding 31), instantly the boys take note to what he has to say. The conch is also more than just a simply a symbol of democracy; it is actually the object that installs it. It is the act of touching the shell itself that brings democratic power. Ralph uses the shell to establish the rules by which the boys will live, and gives the conch the ability to give the 'right of turn' to whoever uses it (Golding, 30). This is an enormous privilege because it allows this person to share their ideas with the group. This is the way in which Ralph convinces the boys of two major decisions within the novel; that they must light a fire in order to be rescued, give Jack the responsibility to lead the hunters. The conch is also used to represent a form of security. Due to the fact that he holds the conch has the right to speak, the conch ensures voice and a form of protection to those who hold no influence within the group of boys. Piggy, for example holds the conch to