What Is The Conch Shell In Lord Of The Flies

In William Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, many boys have opinions and ideas, but only a handful are heard and acknowledged. This raises the question of whose voices are welcomed and understood in today’s society. It is made clear throughout the book that depending on one’s characteristics, what they say is either taken and accepted, or ignored and renounced. Some qualities possessed by those that are heard are confidence and strength. While those who are ignored are linked to more negative traits, such as acting shy or awkward. In addition, youth plays a key role in being ignored, as many of the younger boys are dismissed during the meetings that are held on the island. The boys also use the a conch shell to control who speaks. This method of order can often be abused, as some see themselves above the rules of the conch shell. Observing how the boys work and listen to each other, individuals in today’s society can discover that really, they are not so different from the children on the island. Jack and Ralph are prime examples of who are listened to on the island. Their physical strength, confidence, and leadership skills set them apart from the others ever since they crashed on the island. Immediately, most of the boys have
When holding the conch, you are the only one who should be talking, and the others are supposed to listen. While this seems like it would work brilliantly, it possess flaws. The rules of the conch are ignored when Jack says, “‘We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who ought to say things, what good did Simon do speaking, or Bill, or Walter?” (102-103). The conch represents order and control. When Jack announces this to the group, the respect for the rules of the conch are diminished. When Jack says this, it enforces the fact that those who are heard are not understanding and compassionate towards those who are