The Powers in Lord of the Flies
             Power is used to show how it influences the boys on the island, to lead them to become different people. The conch shell and the sow's head are the main points of power in Lord of the Flies, which are completely opposite in meaning to each other. Power controls the boys and their way of life on the island. The symbols represent some sort of authority, which people use to run the groups lives. William Golding uses two main points of power that are dissimilar, characters that are controlling of the boys, and symbols as authority.
             During the novel, a conch shell and a sow's skull are used as types of power, but are different in meaning. The hunters kill a pig and place its head on a stick for the 'beast' (122). When Simon has spiritual moments with the head, it begins to show an evil side to the innocent looking pig's head. Except, the skull plays a big part in the murder of Simon. He continues to talk to the skull, and it talks back to him, which then frightens him. On his way from the Lord of the Flies, he saw the 'beast' (a dead parachuter) and decided he should tell the others: "The beast was harmless and horrible; and the news must reach the others as soon as possible,"(131). He attempts to tell the others, who mistaken him for the beast, about his discovery and is killed. The skull could then be considered as pure evil. When the fire destroys the sow's head, the power of evil is destroyed because the naval officer shows up. The conch shell represents good and peace throughout the boys and the island. It is also a powerful symbol of order and civilization. The boys use the conch shell to have meetings and have the right to speak. Once the conch is broken, the good spirit and innocence on the island is lost. "There was no Piggy to talk sense. There was no solemn assembly for debate nor dignity of the conch...