Isolation
Isolation is a frequently encountered image in the novel and it is presented as either a literal or physical form of isolation, such as in the case of the Cauldhame family who reside in an island. The children are kept apart from their peers as they are homeschooled by their mad patriarch. The isolation also features in a figurative sense as Frank/Francine, by virtue of his "castration"is unlike any of the other boys his/her age. This perceived strangeness of his condition moves him to live in self-imposed isolation from other boys.
Madness
Another prevalent image in the narrative is madness, both implied and explicitly described. It can be inferred that nearly all of the members of the Cauldhame Family are, to a lesser or greater extent, mad as a hatter. Angus, for all his external civility and refinement is a sadistic madman who enjoys inflicting horrible mental and emotional torture upon his family. Even his wife displays an uncharacteristic mad streak, finally capable of murder as she attempts to run down her husband with a motorcycle. Then there is Eric--very clearly stark, raving mad--largely an incoherent mess in the novel. Frank/Francine of course is another clear example of madness, although a completely frightening, more sinister sort as he/she is capable of seeming sane, completely rational even.
Violence
There are many narratives of violence, both physical and verbal that are found in the novel. Both humans and animals are the recipients of violence. Frank/Francine regularly engages in ritualistic animal torture a a means of entertaining himself/herself and as a a quasi-religious offering to the Wasp Factory. Then of course there is the verbal abuse that Angus heaps upon his family.
Death
Narratives of death are naturally tied up with narratives of violence and there are several unsettling, oddly distant narrations of calculated murders. Frank/Francine is, naturally the perpetrator of these horrible crimes. What is most unnerving is the coldness and the obviously unsound mental rationalizations for carrying out these killings.
Gender Roles
There is a strong current of patriarchy and misogyny that runs throughout the book. Most of these are touted by Angus of course. The rest, ironically, by Frank/Francine. This is of course unsurprising as he/she is largely unaware of the reality that her identity is a completely fictitious reality and that her anger towards women, a result of having bought in, hook, line, and sinker into that lie.
