... says that he is unable to understand how upstanding British lads could have acted with such poor form. Ironically, though, this "civilized" officer is himself part of an adult world in which violence and war go hand in hand with civilization and social order. He reacts to the savage children with disgust, yet this disgust is tinged with hypocrisy ... primal as Jack's evil. The other boys abandon moral behavior as soon as civilization is no longer there to impose it upon them. They are not innately moral; rather, the adult world-the threat of punishment for misdeeds-has conditioned the...

• Word Count: 11237
• Approx Pages: 45
• Grade Level: High School

... own age, despite his notice of her "blossoming virginity". He finds in Phoebe motherly comfort and a loyal playmate. And unlike Hepzibah, Clifford does not seem to regret his inexperience with adult love. Another hinted theme involving the family's incest revolves around the theory of evolution. This theme is basically the idea that unless "hidden streams" run through the Pyncheon bloodline, the ... ...

• Word Count: 2711
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School