On page ninety-nine it said “...Ralph took the conch from where it lay on the polished seat and put it to his lips; but then he hesitated and did not blow. Instead he held up the shell and showed it to them and they understood. This therefore shows good symbolism relating to his leadership qualities, as making that specific choice by making another one could have stirred up far more problems than was necessary, intended, or appropriate. This continued to influence how they reacted to the possible presence of the beast. It showed important leadership and intelligent thinking on Ralph's part, all symbolized by the conch. In the story the shell represents the courage, courage, intelligence, skill and even patience that Ralph had to deal with others and survive on land.