One of the most important symbols in Lord of the Flies is the conch. The boys use the conch to call meetings and establish a sense of order on the island. However, as the novel progresses, the conch loses its power, and the boys begin to ignore it. This represents a breakdown of the social order and the increasing savagery of the boys.

The Importance of Leadership In Lord of the Flies, leadership is critical to the survival of the boys on the island. Ralph is initially elected as leader, but he struggles to maintain control, particularly when Jack begins to assert his own authority. As the novel progresses, Jack becomes increasingly violent and aggressive, and many of the boys are drawn to his charisma. This highlights the importance of strong leadership in maintaining social order and preventing the breakdown of society.

The Theme of Fear Throughout Lord of the Flies, fear is a constant presence. The boys are frightened both of the unknown dangers of the island and of each other. This fear fuels their descent into savagery and drives them to act in increasingly violent ways. The novel illustrates the destructive power of fear and the way in which it can be used to manipulate and control others.

The Role of Symbolism Symbolism is an important aspect of Lord of the Flies. The island, the conch, and other objects all have symbolic significance and represent different aspects of the boys’ struggle for survival. The use of symbols in the novel helps to highlight the themes of the novel and emphasize the deeper meaning behind the boys’ actions.

Images:

• The image of a tropical island with palm trees and a beach.
• The image of a conch shell on the sand.
• The image of a group of boys standing on a beach on the island.
• The image of a fire burning on the beach at night.
• The image of a pig's head on a stick (symbol of the boys' descent into savagery).