Friday, September 14, 2012

What decision is made about the conch?

I believe that this question is asking about an event that occurs in chapter two. The stranded boys are meeting together to figure out how to organize themselves for survival on the island while they wait for potential rescue. Rule and order has to be established in Ralph's opinion, and many of the boys agree with him at this point. Ralph is the elected chief, but he does desire the input and ideas of the other boys. He's essentially try to set up a democracy of sorts; however, having everybody shout out ideas at once simply will not work for efficient and respectful meetings. Ralph proposes that the conch be essentially a microphone of sorts. He suggests that whoever is holding the conch gets to speak and not be interrupted.

"And another thing. We can't have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have 'Hands up' like at school."
He held the conch before his face and glanced round the mouth.
"Then I'll give him the conch."
"Conch?"
"That's what this shell's called. I'll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he's speaking."
"But--"
"Look--"
"And he won't be interrupted: Except by me."

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the theme of the chapter Lead?

Primo Levi's complex probing of the Holocaust, including his survival of Auschwitz and pre- and post-war life, is organized around indiv...