Did Jack break the conch? In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the conch shell symbolizes order and civilization on the island, where a group of young boys is stranded after a plane crash. However, as the story progresses, the conch’s significance is gradually undermined. Its final destruction marks the end of any hope for the boys’ return to a civilized society. But who is responsible for breaking the conch in Chapter 11? While many readers assume that Jack Merridew, the antagonist of the novel, is the culprit, it is actually Roger, the character least able to understand the civilizing impulse, who crushes the conch shell as he pushes the boulder down the hill and kills Piggy, the character least able to understand the savage impulse. This article aims to explore the evidence supporting this claim and shed light on the true culprit behind the destruction of the conch in Lord of the Flies.
Did Jack break the conch? (Answer)
The conch shell is one of the most iconic symbols in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The conch represents order and civilization on the island. It is used as a tool to call assemblies, establish rules, and maintain a sense of democracy among the boys. However, as the story progresses, the conch loses its power and eventually shatters into pieces. The question that arises is: who broke the conch in Lord of the Flies?
The short answer is that Jack did not break the conch. Instead, it was Roger, the character least able to understand the civilizing impulse, who crushed the conch shell as he loosed the boulder and killed Piggy, the character least able to understand the savage impulse. This event marks a turning point in the novel, symbolizing the complete collapse of the boys’ attempt to maintain order and civility on the island.
Throughout the story, Jack represents the savage impulse, while Ralph represents the civilizing impulse. Jack is obsessed with hunting, killing, and asserting dominance over the other boys. He forms his own tribe and rejects Ralph’s leadership, leading to a violent conflict between the two groups. However, while Jack is undoubtedly responsible for much of the chaos and destruction on the island, he is not the one who destroys the conch.
Instead, it is Roger who commits this act of violence. Roger is a character who enjoys hurting and torturing others, as seen in his treatment of the littluns and his sadistic behavior with the pig’s head on a stick. When he sees Piggy and Ralph trying to reason with Jack’s tribe, he decides to take matters into his own hands. He climbs to the top of Castle Rock and releases a boulder that rolls down and kills Piggy, smashing the conch in the process.
This moment is significant because it represents the complete breakdown of the boys’ attempt to create a civilized society on the island. The conch, which once represented order and democracy, is now shattered into pieces, just like the boys’ attempts at cooperation and peace. From this point on, the violence and chaos escalate, leading to the novel’s tragic ending.
Who breaks the rules of the conch?
In the novel Lord of the Flies, it is Jack Merridew who ultimately breaks the rules of the conch. Initially, the conch shell serves as a symbol of order and democracy on the island. It represents authority and is used to call assemblies to discuss important matters. However, as time goes on and Jack’s desire for power grows, he begins to undermine the importance of the conch.
Jack’s disregard for the rules associated with the conch becomes evident when he challenges Ralph’s leadership and establishes his own tribe. He encourages his followers to ignore Ralph’s authority and dismisses any need for civilized rules or democracy. This act marks a turning point in their society, as it signifies a shift towards anarchy and savagery, where might makes right rather than consensus or respect for established systems.
What happened when Ralph blows the conch?
When Ralph blows the conch in Lord of the Flies, it serves as a signal for all the boys scattered on the island to gather. The sound of the conch travels across the island, capturing their attention and drawing them toward Ralph. As they arrive one by one, they form an assembly and begin to establish order and organization. The conch becomes a symbol of authority, signifying that only the person holding it has the right to speak. This creates a sense of democracy and ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns.
The blowing of the conch also marks a turning point in the story as it signifies civilization and hope amidst the chaos. It brings together a diverse group of boys who were initially frightened and disoriented by their situation. Using the conch, Ralph establishes himself as a leader and attempts to restore order, emphasizing communication and cooperation among them. However, as time passes and tensions rise on the island, the conch’s power gradually diminishes, reflecting the erosion of civilization and descent into savagery among the boys.
What does Ralph breaking the skull symbolize?
In Lord of the Flies, Ralph breaking the skull symbolizes his confrontation with the inherent evil that exists within humanity. The skull, which belongs to the sow’s head or “Lord of the Flies,” represents the embodiment of evil on the island. By breaking and destroying it, Ralph is symbolically challenging and rejecting this evil force. This act represents his refusal to succumb to the darkness and his determination to maintain a semblance of civilization and order amidst the chaos.
The breaking of the skull signifies Ralph’s defiance in the face of evil, highlighting his role as a moral compass throughout the novel. It reflects his understanding that, even in desperate situations, it is crucial to resist succumbing to one’s primal instincts and instead uphold principles of goodness and justice. Ultimately, Ralph breaking the skull serves as a powerful symbol for the universal struggle between good and evil that exists within all individuals, reminding readers about the importance of choosing righteousness over corruption.
Who took the conch after Ralph?
Jack takes the conch after Ralph. As the story progresses, Jack becomes increasingly power-hungry and seeks to establish his own authority on the island. In an act of defiance against Ralph’s leadership and the rules established by the conch, Jack seizes control of it as a symbol of dominance. This seizure signifies his desire to control the group, leading to further chaos and division among the boys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it was not Jack who broke the conch in Lord of the Flies, but rather Roger. This event marks a crucial moment in the story, as it symbolizes the complete collapse of the boys’ attempt to maintain order and civility on the island. The destruction of the conch represents the triumph of the savage impulse over the civilizing impulse, leading to a tragic and disturbing ending.