THE CONCH

• What does the conch symbolise in Lord of the Flies?

  • Civilisation, democracy, authority, and order.
  • reflects Ralph
• Why is the conch important early in the novel?

  • It unites the boys and gives structure—whoever holds it has the right to speak.
  • ''he who holds the conch has the right to speak''
• What quote shows the conch’s power at the beginning?

  • “We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us.”
• What does Ralph say about the conch and speaking?

  • “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.”
• What theme does the conch reflect?

  • The theme of civilisation vs savagery.
• How does the conch promote democracy?

  • It gives everyone a voice, regardless of age or status
• What does the use of the conch echo in the real world?

  • Parliamentary procedure and democratic assemblies.
• Which character most respects the conch's authority?

  • Ralph—and especially Piggy, who clings to its symbolic value.
• What quote shows Piggy’s respect for the conch?

  • “I got the conch! Just you listen!”
• How is the conch’s power challenged as the story progresses?

  • Jack and his followers begin to ignore and mock it.
• What quote shows Jack’s rejection of the conch?

  • ''The conch doesn’t count on this end of the island.”
• What does this moment symbolise?

  • The beginning of the collapse of law and order.
• What happens to the boys’ respect for the conch over time?

  • It fades as savagery overtakes them.
• When is the conch destroyed?

  • When Roger drops the boulder that kills Piggy.
  • ''the conch exploded into a thousand tiny white fragments''
• What is the significance of the conch shattering?

  • It marks the total collapse of civilisation and order on the island.
• What quote describes the conches destruction?

  • “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.”
• What happens immediately after the conch is destroyed?

  • Piggy dies—reason and order die with him.
• How does the conch contrast with the Lord of the Flies?

  • the conch = order and structure; Lord of the Flies = chaos and inner evil.
• What does the fading respect for the conch show about the boys?

  • That they are moving away from civilisation towards barbarism.
• What does the conch's fragility symbolise?

  • How delicate civilisation truly is when faced with primal instincts.