Final answer:
The shattering of the conch in 'Lord of the Flies' symbolizes the end of civilization and the breakdown of order, leading to chaos and savagery.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the conch is shattered in William Golding's Lord of the Flies, it symbolizes the end of civilization and order among the boys on the island.
The conch represented structured society, rules, and authority; its destruction signifies the complete breakdown of these concepts and the plunge into savagery and chaos. The shattering of the conch is a pivotal moment, marking the transition from civilization to anarchy and the loss of innocence among the children.