In William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies', a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island attempt to govern themselves amidst chaos and fear. The novel uses powerful symbols, such as the conch shell, the pig's head, and the Lord of the Flies itself, to explore themes of civilization versus savagery. The conch represents order and authority, while the pig's head on a stick symbolizes decay and the primal instincts that emerge in chaos. The phrase 'the beast' is a recurring symbol of fear that manifests as a real threat, yet also as an internal struggle within each boy. Golding's vivid descriptions and symbols serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters' inner conflicts and the breakdown of social norms. The story’s progression reveals how symbols evolve and reveal deeper meanings as the narrative unfolds, emphasizing the fragile veneer of civilization and the lurking savagery within human nature.