From Conch to Codicil: Law, Legacy and the Collapse of Order in Lord of the Flies
As the lights dim at Chichester Festival Theatre and the stark and almost bare stage of Lord of the Flies comes into view, the audience is thrust into a world where civilisation and all rules associated with it is stripped away. Nigel Williams’ adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel, directed by Anthony Lau, is not only a chilling theatrical experience, but shines a spotlight on the role of law, structure, and protection we are afforded in society.
For those of us in private client practice, it is a timely reminder of the importance of structure and protection of ourselves and our property, and the protection of our vulnerable loved ones.
The Conch Shell and a Will
In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell is a symbol of democratic order. It is noted that whoever holds the conch has the right to speak. In this production, the conch is cleverly reimagined as a microphone, an emblem of voice and authority. But as the play progresses, the conch is ignored, then destroyed, marking the collapse of civil discourse between the group.
In private client law, the Will serves a similar purpose. It is the legal embodiment of a person’s voice after death. It is a structured legal framework setting out an individual’s wishes to be adhered to after they have died. Encapsulating who should be responsible for the compliance and distribution of their estate after death (known as Executors and Trustees), wishes for funeral services (or not as the case may be) and ultimately, the distribution of assets and property to chosen beneficiaries. Just as the conch is disregarded in favour of brute force by some of the group, a poorly drafted Will, or indeed the lack of a Will entirely, can lead to family breakdown and litigation and ultimately chaos at possibly the worst time in someone’s life.
The lesson is clear: without clear legal framework, disorder prevails.
Piggy and the Protection of the Vulnerable
Piggy, portrayed with poignant vulnerability by Alfie Jallow, is the moral compass of the group. He clings to rules, reason, and the hope of rescue. “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages,” he pleads. Yet his glasses, initially used by the group to start a fire are ultimately stolen, and he is ultimately killed, his death marking the descent into savagery.
Piggy’s fate resonates deeply with the role of private client solicitors in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. We are often approached by parents, relatives or loved ones to understand how we might be able to implement structures or documents to protect those more vulnerable individuals.
During lifetime, these documents may be Lasting Powers of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs, or Health and Welfare. These documents are put in place by an individual who is able to choose the people (attorneys) who have the right to make decisions on their behalf during their lives. Whilst the individual has capacity, they are able to request their Property and Finance attorneys act for them even when perhaps they could make those decisions or act themselves. This is important where an individual may be living with physical impairments. Whilst the individual has capacity, only they are able to make decisions regarding their Health and Welfare. If an individual loses capacity, provided the documents are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, their attorneys can step in and act for them.
Where an individual has already lost capacity, their loved ones can make an application for a Deputyship order which is a Court Order providing them with some power to make decisions on the individual’s behalf. These applications can be costly and take time to be issued by the Court. The individual themselves also gets no say in who makes the application on their behalf.
Piggy’s story is a reminder to us all of what can happen where there is no one in your corner to protect you.
Simon, the Illusion of Safety, and the Complexity of Trusts
Simon presents as the quiet and introspective boy, seeking refuge in solitude and reflection. He discovers the truth behind the mythical “beast” yet when he tries to share this truth, he is mistaken for the beast and killed in a frenzied attack.
Simon’s tragic fate speaks to the dangers of misunderstood intentions and misplaced trust. In private client law, trusts are often established with the aim of protecting assets, preserving wealth, and supporting beneficiaries. But when trusts are poorly drafted, misunderstood, or mismanaged, they can lead to confusion, conflict, and unintended consequences.
Whether it is a discretionary trust where beneficiaries are unclear about their rights, or a situation where trustees fail to act in accordance with their fiduciary duties, the illusion of safety can quickly unravel. Just as Simon’s message is lost in the chaos, so too can the purpose of a trust be obscured without proper communication, documented intentions and legal clarity.
Private client solicitors play a vital role in:
• Ensuring that trust structures are appropriate for the client’s goals.
• Providing clear guidance to trustees and beneficiaries.
• Drafting letters of wishes that reflect the settlor’s intentions.
• Anticipating tax implications and ensuring compliance.
Simon’s story reminds us that good intentions are not enough; they must be supported by clear, thoughtful action and communication.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Island
Lord of the Flies is more than a tale of boys lost on an island. It is a parable about what can happen when societal structure fails. For private client solicitors, it is a reminder of the importance of clarity, protection, and foresight. Whether drafting a will, advising on trusts, or supporting a vulnerable client, we are the keepers of the conch, ensuring that voices are heard, legacies respected, and chaos kept at bay.
