The Conch

The conch found by Ralph in the first chapter is significant because it acts as a dominant symbol throughout the novel. It is used to call meetings and it represents civilized order or the fact that the boys were currently at a more advanced social, cultural, and moral way of life. The holder of the conch possesses the right to speak at the meetings that occur, and as a result of this it regulates the meetings. The power of the conch allows the ideas or strategies of the group to be discussed in a just way.