The Lords of Discipline deals with such intense topics as the demands of military life, deep-seated racial prejudice in the South, and the corruption and loss of individualism in an institutionalized setting. It is a glimpse at Southern tradition and snobbery; it is about falling in love for the first time. It is the story of Will McLean's passage from boyhood to manhood.

The novel opens with a brief explanation of why Will is writing about The Institute. He is not relating a nostalgic tale of fond memories, but a mixed tale of hatred and love for his college

The third part is "The Wearing of the Ring." Will and the other seniors are given their Institute rings in an elaborate ceremony. Wearing the ring is a symbol of loyalty and complete devotion to The Institute and all it stands for. The men who wear it have worked hard to earn the right and hold the ring sacred.

The last part is called "The Ten." Annie Kate's child is born and Will finds out what it is like to lose one's first love. Will's search for The Ten takes a very dangerous turn. He finds out information that could cause serious trouble for him and for his roommates.

The second part is "The Taming, Plebe Year." According to one critic, "The story that has been set in motion thus far stops and Will McLean relives his own nightmarish plebe year". Will recalls the fear that was born in him when he was introduced to military life. He relives Hell Night, the night the plebes are tested physically and mentally to the point of breaking - and many do break. Will learns that the only way to survive is to bond closely with the other members of his class against the cadre. He meets the students who will be his

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lords Discipline, Annie Kate's, Wearing Ring, South Carolina, Hell Night, Plebe According, Berrineau Bear, Annie Kate, Music Santini, Pat Conroy, military life, lords discipline, wearing ring, called ten,
Approximate Word count = 752
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)