Setting The story takes place on an island somewhere in the ocean. The island is described by the author as tropical and boat shaped. Along the coast there are sandy beaches followed by a variety of vegetation and "creepers". There are also the orchards, which rise up to the treeless and rocky and rugged mountain ridge which extends out of the ocean. Judging from the predicament and dialogue in this story the date in which …showed first 75 words of 1562 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1562 total…the story shows that laws and rules, policemen and schools are necessary to keep the darker side of human nature in line. When these institutions and concepts slip away or are ignored, human beings revert to a more primitive part of their nature. The other obvious theme in the story is the battle between good and evil. Ralph symbolizes good and Jack symbolizes evil, and throughout the story they fight for control of the group.