What is the symbolism of the conch in Lord of the Flies?

Question

In the *Lord of the Flies*, the conch is shattered when Piggy dies. Before that, it was held by Ralph, the *de facto* leader of the boys. What does the conch symbolize?

Answer 1

In Lord of the Flies, the conch symbolizes law and order. Ralph holds the conch as the leader and uses it to govern. The conch is used to summon the boys to their first meeting, where they establish a democracy and make rules. But as their society begins to fall apart, the power of the conch diminishes. When Piggy dies and the conch breaks, that is the end of civilization for the boys.