The Inherent Evil Within Human Nature
Golding's novel serves as a commentary on the innate capacity for evil that exists within all humans, even children. As the boys descend into savagery and violence on the island, free from the constraints of civilization, it illustrates how easily moral behavior can be abandoned in the absence of societal norms and rules.

The Conflict Between Civilization and Savagery
A central topic is the clash between the impulse towards rational behavior and adherence to rules (represented by Ralph), and the desire for power and primitive savagery (embodied by Jack and his hunters). The boys' initially democratic society rapidly breaks down into two warring factions divided along these lines.

Loss of Innocence
The novel depicts how the boys, once well-behaved and civilized, are forced to confront the harsh realities of survival on the island, leading to a loss of innocence as they turn to violence and cruelty to maintain order and control.

Human Nature and the Desire for Power
Jack's rise to power and the formation of his tribe illustrate the human tendency towards the pursuit of power and dominance, even at the expense of moral behavior and democratic principles.

The Presence of Evil as an Internal Force
Through symbols like the Beast and the Lord of the Flies, Golding explores the idea that evil is not an external force, but rather an impulse that exists within each individual, waiting to be unleashed when the constraints of society are removed.

In summary, Lord of the Flies uses the story of the stranded boys to examine profound topics surrounding the darker aspects of human nature, the fragility of civilization, and the ever-present potential for savagery and moral decline.

Developed by Perplexity AI

"Lord of the Flies" has been studied extensively in schools and universities worldwide. It is often interpreted as an allegory, with the island and the boys representing larger societal and philosophical concepts.

While some readers view "Lord of the Flies" as a pessimistic commentary on human nature, others find in it a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of societal norms.

The novel's enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke thought and discussion about the darker aspects of human behavior, making it a significant work in the realm of literature and social commentary.