lord of the flies the conch essay

Lord of the Flies

William golding, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The Conch Shell Quotes in Lord of the Flies

The Conch Shell Symbol Timeline in Lord of the Flies

Themes and Analysis

Lord of the flies, by william golding.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a powerful novel. It's filled with interesting themes, thoughtful symbols, and a particular style of writing that has made it a classic of British literature.

Article written by Lee-James Bovey

P.G.C.E degree.

Several key themes are prevalent throughout the book. It is sometimes referred to as a “book of ideas” and these ideas are explored as the plot unfolds.

Lord of the Flies Themes

The impact of humankind on nature.

This is evident from the first chapter when the plane crashing leaves what Golding describes as a “scar” across the island. This idea is explored further in the early chapters the boys light a fire that escapes their control and yet further diminishes what might be considered an unspoiled island. Some interpret the island almost as a Garden of Eden with the children giving in to temptation by slaughtering the animals there. The final chapter furthers the destruction of nature by mankind as the whole island appears to have been ruined thanks to the effects of the boy’s presence on the island.

Civilization versus savagery

This can be seen throughout as the boys struggle with being removed from organized society. To begin with, they cope well. They construct a form of government represented by the conch that theoretically draws them together and gives them all a voice. As they break away from society this adherence to the rules they have constructed is evident. Golding’s ideas of what savagery is might be outdated and rooted in colonial stereotypes but they are evident for all to see as the boys use masks to dehumanize themselves and their increasing obsession with hunting leads to an increasingly animalistic nature.

Nature of humanity

Perhaps the biggest underlying theme is the idea of the true nature of mankind. Golding explores the idea that mankind is innately evil and that it is only the contrast between society and civilization that prevents that nature from being prevalent. Of course, this overlooks that civilization is a human construct and if all men’s biggest motivation were their inner evil, then that construct would never have existed. Golding’s views largely spring from his role in the navy where he was witness to the atrocities of war but are also informed by his work as a teacher.

Analysis of Key Moments in Lord of the Flies

There are many key moments in ‘ Lord of the Flies ‘ that highlight the boy’s descent into savagery.

• Blowing the conch – this introduces us to the conch which acts as a symbol of society and civilization throughout the novel. It is both the device that brings the children together and in theory the object which allows them all to have a say and therefore run a democratic society.
• The fire gets out of control – This shows the effects that the boys are already having on the island. It also demonstrates how lost the boys are without adults there to guide them as they lose one of the boys and nobody even knows his name.
• Jack fails to kill the pig/Roger throws stones – both of these events show how the boys are currently constrained by the expectations of society. We see as time passes these restraints are lifted and that firstly, Jack can kill a pig and finally, and perhaps more dramatically, Roger is not only okay with hitting somebody with a stone but taking their life with one.
• The hunters put on masks – By covering up their faces, they seem to become free from the constraints of society. It is if it liberates them from humanity and allows them to act on more primal, animalistic urges.
• Sam and Eric find “the beast” – When Sam and Eric feel they have discovered the beast it sets a ripple of panic throughout. This fear sways the boys towards Jack’s leadership as he continues to manipulate the situation to his advantage. If not for this then Simon might never be murdered.
• Creating of the Lord of the Flies – Successfully killing the pig is itself an iconic moment but then leaving a pigs head on a pole is both a gruesome image (one worthy of the book’s title) and also plays a pivotal role in Simon’s story arc.
• Simon’s death – Simon is the one character who never seems to succumb to primal urges and therefore his death if looked at symbolically could be seen as the death of hope for boys.
• Piggy’s death – Piggy’s character represents order and reason. With his death, any chance of resolving the issues between Jack and Ralph vanishes. The conch being smashed at the same time is also symbolic and represents the complete destruction of society.
• The rescue – This is not the happy ending that one might expect with all the boys crying due to their loss of innocence. There is an irony as well as the boys will not be rescued and taken to a Utopia but rather to a civilization plagued by a war that mirrors the war zone they have just left.

Style, Literary Devices, and Tone in Lord of the Flies

Throughout this novel, Golding’s style is straightforward and easy to read. There are no lengthy passages nor does he choose particularly poetic words to describe the events. His writing is powerful without these stylistic devices. The same can be said for his use of literary devices. When used, they are direct. For example, the use of symbolism (see below) and metaphor is very thoughtful but not hard to interpret.

William Golding also employs an aloof or distant tone throughout the book. This reflects the way that the boys treat one another.

Symbols in Lord of the Flies

The conch shell.

The conch shell is one of the major symbols of this novel. It’s used from the beginning of the novel to call the boys together for meetings on the beach. It’s a symbol of civilization and government. But, as the boys lose touch with their civilized sides, the conch shell is discarded.

The Signal Fire

The signal fire is a very important symbol in the novel. It’s first lit on the mountain and then later on the beach with the intent of attracting the attention of passion ships. The fire is maintained diligently at first but as the book progresses and the boys slip farther from civilization, their concentration on the fire wanes. They eventually lose their desire to be rescued. Therefore, as one is making their way through the book, gauging the boys’ concentration on the fire is a great way to understand how “civilized” they are.

The beast is an imaginary creature who frightens the boys. It stands in for their savage instincts and is eventually revealed to be a personification of their dark impulses. It’s only through the boy’s behaviour that the beast exists at all.

What are three themes in Lord of the Flies ?

Three themes in ‘ Lord of the Flies ‘ are civilization vs. savagery, the impact of humankind on nature, and the nature of humanity.

What is the main message of the Lord of the Flies ?

The main message is that if left without rules, society devolves and loses its grasp on what is the morally right thing to do. this is even the case with kids.

How does Ralph lose his innocence in Lord of the Flies ?

He loses his innocence when he witnesses the deaths of Simon and Piggy. These losses in addition to the broader darkness of the island change him.

Lord of the Flies Quiz

Test your understanding of human nature and survival with our " Lord of the Flies " Trivia Quiz! Do you have the insight and knowledge to navigate the complex dynamics and symbolism of William Golding's masterpiece? Accept the challenge now and prove your mastery over the gripping and thought-provoking world of " Lord of the Flies "!

1) What is the "Lord of the Flies"?

2) What is Jack's main priority on the island?

3) What event causes the boys to be stranded on the island?

4) Who is responsible for maintaining the signal fire?

5) What object is used to symbolize authority and order?

6) Who discovers the true nature of the "beast"?

7) What role does Roger play in the novel?

8) What tragic event occurs when the boys reenact the hunt?

9) What happens to the conch shell?

10) How are the boys finally rescued?

11) Why do Jack and his hunters attack Ralph's camp?

12) What do the boys chant during their tribal rituals?

13) What does the "Lord of the Flies" symbolize?

14) What do the boys use to start a fire?

15) Who is the first boy to suggest the existence of a "beast" on the island?

16) Who is elected leader of the boys at the beginning of the novel?

17) How does Piggy die?

18) Who is the last boy to remain loyal to Ralph?

19) Which character represents the voice of reason and intelligence?

20) Who leads the boys in the brutal killing of Simon?

21) How does the naval officer react when he sees the boys?

22) What happens to the boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark?

23) What is the main source of conflict between Ralph and Jack?

24) What does Ralph cry for at the end of the novel?

25) What do the boys call the younger children on the island?

26) What is Ralph's main concern throughout the novel?

27) What is the significance of the beast in the novel?

28) Who is the author of "Lord of the Flies"?

29) What theme does "Lord of the Flies" primarily explore?

30) What does the face paint symbolize for Jack's tribe?

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About Lee-James Bovey

Lee-James, a.k.a. LJ, has been a Book Analysis team member since it was first created. During the day, he's an English Teacher. During the night, he provides in-depth analysis and summary of books.

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Another Example of the Conch's Power is the fact that through out the book the conch is the only tool that can call a meeting and wherever the Conch is thats where the meeting is. No other symbol in Lord of the Flies holds so much power. This is one of the reasons that Jack Merridew disrespects the Conch. He wants to break the spell the symbol has on everybody. He wants to prove that he is the rightful leader. The Conch also displays order through the rule that you must have the Conch to Speak in an assembly or meeting. "And another thing. We can't have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have 'hands up' like at school...

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Lord of the Flies. How much influence does the conch have over Jack and his tribe? What is your reason for choosing this answer?

The conch has little to no influence for Jack's tribe.

Explanation:

Jack showed clear hatred of Ralph's take on rules, and that is what the conch stood for. He abandoned the conch and the rules along with Ralph, and the other boys were forced to agree with this. Later, Ralph and PIggy showed them the conch, and the boys (except Jack) almost hesitated, which shows they still have feelings of respect and are slightly impacted by the conch. But their loyalty to Jack outweighs these feelings.

Lord of The Flies Conch Quotes: Symbolism and Power Dynamics

• Categories: Lord of The Flies

About this sample

Words: 713 |

Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 713 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The conch: a symbol of authority and democracy, the erosion of order and the conch's diminishing influence, the conch as a reflection of human nature, the broader implications and relevance of the conch quotes.

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The 1990 Adaptation of “Lord of the Flies”: a Cinematic Reflection of Human Nature

This essay about the 1990 film adaptation of “Lord of the Flies” examines how director Harry Hook translates William Golding’s novel into a modern cinematic experience. It explores the plot, where a group of military school boys are stranded on an island and gradually descend into savagery. The essay highlights the film’s visual depiction of the island, the strong performances by the young cast, and the themes of power struggles, loss of innocence, and the fragility of societal norms. It also reflects on the enduring relevance of the film’s message about human nature and the thin line between civilization and chaos.

How it works

The 1990 adaptation of William Golding’s seminal novel “Lord of the Flies” remains a poignant exploration of human nature, societal breakdown, and the thin veneer of civilization. Directed by Harry Hook, this film reinterprets the harrowing tale of stranded boys descending into savagery, presenting a visually gripping and emotionally intense narrative that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Set against the backdrop of an unnamed war, the film begins with a plane crash that leaves a group of military school boys marooned on a deserted island.

The isolation and lack of adult supervision quickly become the catalyst for a dramatic transformation, as the boys attempt to establish their own society. Initially, they endeavor to maintain order and civility, mirroring the structures they have known. Ralph, portrayed by Balthazar Getty, is elected leader and emphasizes the importance of rules and the signal fire for rescue. However, the idyllic order soon unravels as Jack, played by Chris Furrh, challenges Ralph’s authority, advocating for a more primal and authoritarian approach.

Hook’s adaptation is notable for its more modern setting and the inclusion of American schoolboys, which adds a different cultural dimension compared to the British boys in Golding’s original work. This change brings a fresh perspective to the story, making it more accessible to a broader audience while retaining the core themes of power struggle and moral degradation. The conflict between Ralph and Jack serves as a microcosm of broader societal conflicts, illustrating how quickly humanity can regress to a state of barbarism when stripped of the constructs of civilization.

Visually, the 1990 “Lord of the Flies” effectively uses the island’s lush yet foreboding landscape to amplify the narrative’s tension and isolation. The cinematography captures the beauty and danger of the environment, juxtaposing the innocence of childhood with the darkness of untamed nature. This duality is central to the story, as the boys’ initial attempts at creating a utopia quickly give way to chaos and violence.

The performances in Hook’s adaptation are compelling, particularly from the young cast. Balthazar Getty’s portrayal of Ralph is nuanced, capturing the character’s struggle to maintain order and his descent into disillusionment. Chris Furrh’s Jack is a formidable antagonist, embodying the seductive allure of power and the ease with which one can forsake morality. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly in scenes depicting the group’s rituals and the mounting hysteria.

One of the most striking aspects of this adaptation is its exploration of the loss of innocence. The boys’ gradual shift from civilized children to savage hunters is depicted with unsettling clarity. The turning point comes with the murder of Simon, a scene that is both shocking and profoundly tragic. Simon, often seen as a Christ-like figure, represents the inherent goodness that exists within humanity. His death symbolizes the ultimate triumph of primal instincts over reason and compassion, a stark reminder of the fragility of societal norms.

Furthermore, the film does not shy away from the brutal realities of power and the human capacity for cruelty. The climax, featuring the hunt for Ralph, is a visceral and harrowing sequence that underscores the complete disintegration of the boys’ makeshift society. It is a chilling commentary on how quickly order can collapse and be replaced by anarchy.

While the 1990 adaptation of “Lord of the Flies” received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained recognition for its bold interpretation and relevance. The film’s themes of power, human nature, and the thin line between civilization and savagery continue to be pertinent in today’s world. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential for darkness within us all and the importance of maintaining the structures that uphold societal order.

In conclusion, Harry Hook’s “Lord of the Flies” is a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation that captures the essence of Golding’s novel while bringing its own unique perspective. Through powerful performances, striking visuals, and a poignant narrative, the film explores the depths of human nature and the delicate balance between civilization and chaos. It stands as a significant work that continues to spark reflection and discussion on the complexities of human behavior and the ever-present shadow of savagery within us.

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