Head

The Life of William Golding

  • Birth

    Birth
  • Admitted into Brasenose College

    Admitted into Brasenose College
    Went to Brasenose College in 1930. Studied science which was against his father's beliefs. He then switched to a literature major.
  • Started teaching in Salisbury

    Started teaching in Salisbury
    William Golding started teaching English and Philosphy at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. He was very passionate about his job.
  • Joined the Royal Navy

    Joined the Royal Navy
    After five years of teaching, Golding joined the Royal Navy to fight in World War II. He spent six years fighting in this war and figured out one of his callings. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant in those years.
  • Son, David, was born

    Son, David, was born
  • Went back to teaching

    Went back to teaching
    After serving in World War II, Golding went back to teaching.
  • "Lord of the Flies" was published

    "Lord of the Flies" was published
    After 21 rejections, Golding got his first and most critically acclaimed book, "Lord of the Flies" published. His book was full of symbolism and still is taught in classrooms around the world today.
  • Film of "Lord of the Flies" was made

    Film of "Lord of the Flies" was made
    The first film adaptation of Golding's book, "Lord of the Flies" is made by film producer, Peter Brook. This happened a year after Golding had retired from teaching.
  • "The Spire" was published

    "The Spire" was published
  • Nobel Peace Prize for Literature

    Nobel Peace Prize for Literature
    In 1983, at the age of 73, Golding won the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. This showed just how influential his novel was.
  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

    Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
    In the summer of 1988, William Golding was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He was 78 when this happened.
  • Death

    Death