I'm writing an essay for my class on the book the Lord of the Flies. I need some help thinking of a specific topic, however. Here's the assignment: think of how one of the novel's symbols adds depth and/or richness to its allegorical meanings. OR think of a conflict or comparison that illuminates one of the bovel's themes. (i.e. in what was is Lord of the Flies a novel about power? About the power of symbols? About the power of a person to use symbols to control a group? etc...)Please help :)

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/flies/

Be sure to read these sections to get ideas:

~~Analysis of Major Characters
~~Themes...
~~Study Questions & Essay Topics

Of course, I'd be happy to help you come up with a specific topic for your essay on "Lord of the Flies" that focuses on a symbol, conflict, or comparison.

One potential approach could be to analyze the symbol of the conch shell in the novel and how it adds depth to the allegorical meanings. The conch shell serves as a powerful symbol of order, democracy, and civilization in the story. It represents the boys' attempt to establish a system of governance and maintain some semblance of organization on the island.

To develop your topic further, you can delve into the ways in which the conch shell's symbolism evolves throughout the novel. You can consider its initial role as a means of calling the boys together and giving each speaker the right to be heard, contrasting with its gradual loss of power and authority as the boys descend into savagery. This analysis can shed light on the deeper allegorical meaning of the symbol and how it reflects the fragility and vulnerability of civilization.

To support your argument, you could provide examples from the novel where the conch shell is either respected or disregarded by the characters, such as the scenes involving Piggy and Ralph's attempts to uphold order through the conch shell's authority and the later instances of the boys abandoning it altogether. You may also draw connections to real-world examples or historical events where symbols of power and order have either succeeded or failed to maintain societal structure.

Remember to quote specific passages from the book to support your analysis and provide textual evidence for your arguments. Additionally, you can consider exploring how the author, William Golding, uses the symbol to convey his overall message about human nature and society.

By considering the evolution and implications of the conch shell symbol, you can effectively analyze its contribution to the depth and richness of the novel's allegorical meanings.