What is the setting of the novel, and how does it affect the boys?

The setting is a deserted island where the boys crash as they are being airlifted to "safety" during WWII.  Obviously they never made it to their destination, and unfortunately, none of the adults on board survive.

This affects the boys in that at first the older boys attempt to settle down into a routine as close as possible to the civilization to which they are accustomed.  As time goes by, however, they become less and less civilized and more barbaric. This is evident in their complete uniforms at first and then the lack of clothing, the hunting exercises and ceremony of wild boar on the island which includes the painting of their faces, and ultimately, the murder of their own.  Of course, this attention to the "dark side" of humanity is the point Golding is trying to make.  War, survival of the fittest, lack of proper supervision/rules will lead mankind back to its barbaric and caveman-like roots.