The overriding theme of the novel is the conflict between two competing urges that exist within all human beings: the instinct to live by rules, act peacefully, follow moral commands, and value the good of the group on the one hand; and the instinct to gratify one's immediate desires, act violently to obtain superiority over others, and enforce one's will on the other. These two natures may be called "the instinct of civilization" and "the instinct of savagery," as one is devoted to values that promote ordered society and the other is devoted to values that threaten ordered society. ...

• Word Count: 749
• Approx Pages: 3

Although Emil felt content dwelling within the realm of light with his family, the realm of darkness constantly called to him, tempting him to forsake his innocence. ... These boys were forced to survive alone in the wild without civilization. ... The emergence of this concealed, basic wildness is the theme of the book; the struggle between Ralph, the representative of civilization with his parliaments and his brain trust (Piggy, the intellectual whose shattering spectacles mark the progressive decay of rational influence as the story progresses), and Jack, in whom the spark of wildness burn...

• Word Count: 1226
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

Parker might have previously believed that he was completely apathetic to religion, but as the tractor he was driving crashed into the tree he found himself calling on the only help he could call on; "God Above."" ... Slattery describes "Parker's Back" "as a story that "explores how an individual learns to focus his moral vision on the visible creation in order to apprehend, if even for an instant, the invisible presence of the Creator by means of grace."" ...

• Word Count: 1910
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School