Through the exploits and experiences of the teenaged, charismatic but sociopathic, Alex, it explores mankind's violent nature. The novel is set in a not-so-distant future society with a culture of extreme youth rebellion and violence. It satirizes trends in youth culture that were around in the 1960s in the West, and to some extent still present today. The dramatic events throw a light on human free will to choose between good or evil, and the weakness of free will as a solution to evil. Alex and his three goons do various crimes, mainly assaulting everyone: Brutally for the men, and sexually for the women. He is sent to prison for murdering a woman whilst burgling her house.