![]() Their chilling chant, "kill the pig, cut her throat, spill the blood," encapsulates the descent into savagery. Golding vividly portrays the conflict between civilization and savagery when Jack and some of the other boys embark on their first pig hunt. In this transformation, Golding effectively illustrates the theme of savagery. Despite its repulsive nature-a Lord presiding over flies-the beast attains a fearsome status, driving the boys towards increasingly savage behavior, fueled by their terror. While initially, the beast remains an indistinct menace-"a thing"-it gradually assumes greater substance as the boys' collective fear magnifies it into the ultimate embodiment of evil. Snakes have traditionally been regarded as symbols of evil in Western society, rooted in the biblical story of the serpent that tempted Eve with the forbidden fruit. The beast initially begins as a vague, ominous "snake thing," gradually evolving into "the Lord of the Flies." This transformation symbolizes the boys' descent into savagery. By the novel's conclusion, Jack's obsession with the beast borders on a form of dark worship. In stark contrast to the symbol of the conch shell is the concept of the beast, which becomes inexorably associated with Jack as the narrative progresses. The Beast: Unleashing the Forces of Savagery The boys' instinct to recreate a democratic system on the island reflects their inherent drive towards civilization. Ralph ensures that each boy, regardless of age or status, is granted an equal opportunity to voice their opinions-a democratic foundation reminiscent of the society they left behind. During their inaugural assembly, Ralph declares, "I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak…he won’t be interrupted." This simple yet profound statement underscores the essence of civilization. This emblematic object embodies the principles of civilization. The conch shell symbolizes authority and order among the boys, with Ralph being the first to utilize it, eventually becoming the elected leader. The theme of civilization versus savagery is initially introduced through the symbol of the conch shell, closely associated with Ralph. Get original essay The Conch Shell: Symbolizing Civilized Order
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