In Lord of the Flies, what is the importance of Simon's death and the discovery of the conch? And why did these things happen at the beach?

In Lord of the Flies, the importance of the conch is to symbolise democracy and fairness. In the first few chapters of the novel, the conch plays an evident part and is the reason leadership and rules are created, and are a reason the boys are able to be at peace with each other to start with. Yet, as their time on the island progresses, the conch becomes less valuable to the other islanders, except Piggy who carries the conch with pride, and Ralph, who feels it still has the ability and power it had initially, and keeps order. In the chapter "Castle Rock", Piggy holds the conch tight by his side, and tries to form another assembly. He clearly feels that despite the segregation of the children, the conch is still a symbol of authority. So, when Roger kills Piggy with the rock and shatters the conch, it shows the real breaking down of the group. The conch shatters, as does the rules and the capable knowledge of Piggy.