Symbolism is a powerful literary technique used frequently by authors to express their ideas indirectly and creatively. Symbolism is defined as an object or idea that represents more than the object or idea itself. For example, in Antigone, Creon symbolizes pride and the inability to listen to reason, among other things. William Golding utilizes symbolism in Lord of the Flies by letting the conch represent civilization, power and safety.

To begin with, the conch represents civilization. "I'll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he's speaking"(31). Ralph makes this comment as he holds the conch and does his best to create order. Ralph keeps in mind that there are no grownups on the island and that the boys must maintain order themselves. He does so by telling the boys that whoever has the desire to speak, that is whom he will give the conch. Directly after Ralph speaks these words, Jack follows with, We'll have rules!"... "Lots of rules!"(31). Ralph's comment excites Jack so much that Jack follows by requesting the form

f Ralph's grasp in their flight to the mountain, but Ralph returns to the clutches of civilization with the aide of the conch.

William Golding puts symbolism to use very well in Lord of the Flies. Golding could have used numerous items to represent civilization, power, and safety, but he lets the conch symbolize all three of these things.

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their processional to the Castle Rock, Piggy holds onto the conch. During the few moments before his death, "...Piggy still holding out the talisman, the fragile shining, beauty of the shell..."(164). Unfortunately, the conch could not protect Piggy from the massive boulder that destroyed both him and the conch. Piggy needed to feel safe, to do so, he kept himself as close to the conch as possible, because the conch provided safety for him.

The conch also symbolizes power. When the boys first land on the island, they are scattered. Ralph signals to the boys by sounding the conch continuously until the majority of them arrive at the platform. This shows that the conch has the power

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Approximate Word count = 742
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)