2009. A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Throughout the novel The Lord of the Flies, there is one thing that remains constant and prominent. That one thing is a large conch shell. This shell is initially used to herd the boy from the plane crash so they can organize, but quickly becomes a important status symbol and comes to be much more than just a conch shell.
From the beginning, the shell comes to represent power. Initially this power stems from it's ability to signal the other boys from great distance. After the boys are all found, they make the rule that at meetings, only the conch holder can speak. From then on, the shell is a recognized symbol for power. By initially being used as a speaking object, the shell becomes an inherent source of power among the boys. Being the only person who can talk means everyone must listen to you which puts whoever has the shell in power. The symbolism of the shell becomes a shaping factor throughout the novel. It leads to the formation of 2 tribes/societies and leads to the death of piggy. The shell is even today one of the most powerful symbols ever produced in a novel.
The purpose of the symbol besides as a housing for power, serves to shape the characters. Ralph, the original finder of the shell is a reserved kid who tries to use the shell to keep the peace, administer justice, and keep the peace. This shows that Ralph is a more community minded person who cares more for the common good than anything else. Jack, Ralph's more aggressive counterpart, tries to use the shell as a tool of dictatorship. With absolute power, he administers justice, provides food and is king of his tribe which is based around hunting.
Because of the shell, and its effects on people, the Lord of the Flies becomes a symbolic masterpiece that uses symbolism to shape its characters and the story.
Second paragraph's use of the word "power" five or more times is repetitive. You said Ralph "keep[s] the peace" twice in a row in the third paragraph. The conclusion is incredibly short.
ReplyDeleteYou need to discuss the purpose of the conch shell and what it represents in your thesis. It should be noted that you mention what the conch represents in the two body paragraphs which is good. I don't get what the sentence "The shell is even today one of the most power symbols ever produced in a novel means". What do you mean today?
ReplyDeleteYou need a clearer Thesis, and more in depth analysis of the conch shell. What I mean by this is more than description of what it means but the implications that has on the island society throughout the novel.
ReplyDelete