What happens to the conch and Piggy? In William Golding’s classic novel, “Lord of the Flies,” the conch and Piggy are two important symbols that represent order and civilization on the island. However, as the story progresses, the boys’ innate savagery takes over, leading to the destruction of both Piggy and the conch, which marks the final loss of order on the island.
What happens to the conch and Piggy?
The conch, which is a large shell that Ralph discovers on the beach, becomes a symbol of authority and democracy on the island. The boys use the conch to call meetings, and whoever holds the conch has the right to speak. It is a powerful symbol of order and democracy that helps to maintain a sense of civility and structure amongst the boys.
However, as the boys become more savage, they begin to disregard the rules and order that the conch represents. Jack, who represents the primal instinct of savagery, starts to challenge Ralph’s authority and the importance of the conch. He convinces the other boys to follow him and creates his own tribe, which leads to a power struggle between the two groups.
Eventually, the boys’ savagery reaches a boiling point in Chapter 11. Roger, one of Jack’s followers, releases a giant rock that kills Piggy and destroys the conch. The destruction of both Piggy and the conch represents the final loss of order on the island. With Piggy’s death, the boys lose their last connection to civilization, and the destruction of the conch symbolizes the end of democracy and the rise of savagery.
What did Piggy do to the conch?
Piggy did not do anything to the conch. In fact, he cherished and respected it as a symbol of civilization and order on the island. Piggy was the one who discovered the conch shell and realized its potential for bringing the boys together. He suggested using it as a way to establish rules and maintain order during their meetings. Piggy understood that the conch represented democracy, authority, and civil discourse, so he took great care of it throughout their time on the island.
What happens to Piggy’s body?
In the novel Lord of the Flies, Piggy meets a tragic fate. During a chaotic confrontation between the two rival groups on the island, Roger releases a large boulder that rolls down and strikes Piggy, causing him to fall off a cliff into the ocean below. The boulder’s impact kills Piggy instantly, and the waves carry his lifeless body away.
This event marks a significant turning point in the story as it symbolizes the loss of reason and civilization on the island. Piggy’s death represents not only the physical elimination of an intellectual voice but also the destruction of rationality and order in this savage environment. His body is left unattended, highlighting how quickly society can deteriorate into chaos when confronted with fear and violence.
Why is the conch important in Lord of the Flies?
The conch symbolizes order and democracy in Lord of the Flies. When Ralph discovers it on the beach, he uses it to call all the stranded boys together, establishing a sense of authority and organization. The conch becomes a powerful tool for communication and decision-making, as only the person holding it has the right to speak during meetings. It represents civilization and rules, serving as a reminder of their former society’s values.
Moreover, the conch plays a crucial role in highlighting the gradual descent into savagery on the island. As tensions rise and conflicts emerge, the respect for the conch diminishes. This lack of respect is best seen when Jack challenges Ralph’s authority and refuses to recognize the conch’s power. The breaking of the conch signifies not only the loss of order but also the triumph of chaos and violence over civilization. Overall, through its symbolic significance, the conch represents both order and its eventual downfall in Lord of the Flies.
How has the significance of the conch changed?
In the beginning of Lord of the Flies, the conch is introduced as a symbol of order and authority. It is used to call meetings, establish rules, and maintain a sense of civilization among the boys on the island. The significance of the conch lies in its ability to give power and a voice to whoever holds it. However, as the story progresses and the boys descend into savagery, the conch’s meaning begins to wane. It loses its ability to command respect and enforce rules as chaos takes over and violence becomes more prevalent. Ultimately, the significance of the conch shifts from representing civilization and order to becoming a mere object that holds no real power or influence in this savage world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the conch and Piggy are two important symbols in Lord of the Flies, representing order and civilization on the island. However, as the boys become more savage, they disregard the rules and order that the conch represents, leading to the destruction of both Piggy and the conch. The destruction of these symbols marks the final loss of order on the island and the rise of savagery.