Lord of the Flies explores fundamental themes of human nature through the lens of schoolboys stranded on an island. The novel masterfully weaves together the conflicts of good vs evil and civilization vs savagery while examining class dynamics and religious symbolism.
• The narrative establishes key character contrasts through Ralph's fair appearance versus later descent into savagery
• Symbolic elements like clothing and nakedness represent the struggle between civilized behavior and primitive instincts
• Religious and social commentary pervades the work through biblical allusions and class structure critique
• The island serves as a microcosm for broader society and human nature
• Character development reveals how quickly civilization can break down into chaos
