Final answer:
In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell is the symbol of authority and represents civilization and order.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Lord of the Flies, the symbol of authority in the society the boys form is A) A conch shell. It serves as a powerful symbol of civilization and order within the novel. The conch shell is used to call meetings and is a representation of government, democracy, and civil discourse.
Whomever holds the conch has the right to speak, an example of the respect for societal rules amongst the boys. Over time, as order breaks down on the island, the conch's power wanes, embodying the boys' descent into savagery. This further reflects the novel's themes regarding the fragile nature of civilization.