What is the central theme of "Lord of the Flies"?

The central theme of "Lord of the Flies" revolves around the inherent evil of mankind and the loss of civilization. Throughout the novel, William Golding explores how the veneer of civilization can quickly erode when individuals are left to their own devices, highlighting the darkness that exists within every person. The boys on the island begin with rules and order, but as societal structures break down, they descend into savagery, demonstrating how easily moral boundaries can be crossed in the absence of societal constraints. This theme serves as a powerful commentary on human nature, suggesting that without the guiding influence of civilization, primal instincts and inherent malevolence can emerge.

While "the struggle for power among adolescents" is certainly a significant aspect of the narrative, it exists within the larger context of the characters' descent into savagery, making it a secondary theme rather than the central one. The novel does touch on the importance of democracy and order, illustrating both the initial attempts to establish leadership and the consequent chaos when those systems fail, but this focus is part of the broader examination of human nature and civilization. Lastly, while nature plays an important role in the setting and mood of the story, it does not represent the central theme; instead, the island serves as a