In the novel Lord of the Flies William Golding uses many forms of symbolism to highlight the underlying conflicts in their society. Using these symbols makes the reader think not only about the problems that arise in the book, but also hints at the problems of our society today. The story uses the shell, fire, and glasses to reference other meanings in the story. These symbols play a crucial role in the story where they provide the reader with information that is not directly stated but inferred. The first symbol that appears in the story is the seashell that was found by Piggy and Ralph at the beginning of the story. The boys believed it was held by the person with the power to rule and speak for the people. This power was soon recognized by Ralph "But there was a stillness in Ralph as he sat that set him apart: there was his size and his handsome appearance; and more darkly, but more powerfully, there was the conch " (Golding, 22) . When choosing their leader, the conch appears to give Ralph power over Jack in the decision to gather them all together with the conch...