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Birth
William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England to a suffragette who fought for women’s enfranchisement and a schoolmaster. -
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Early Childhood
William Golding received his primary school education at Marlborough Grammar School, his father’s school. William Golding had a troubled childhood and he released his anger through bullying other children. As William Golding later reflected on his childhood, he was a “brat” as a child and would “enjoy hurting people”. -
First Unsuccessful Novel
William Golding attempted, unsuccessfully, to write his first novel. -
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Brasenose College of Oxford University
William Golding attending the Brasenose College at Oxford University, where he studied English literature. -
First Published Work
He published his first work, which was a book of poetry titled Poems. This was published a year before he graduated from university. -
Early Careers
William Golding first worked in settlement houses and the theatre and then began teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth’s Schoo, Salisbury. His teaching position and regular interactions with rebellious boys gave him inspiration for Lord of the Flies. -
Marriage
William Golding married Ann Brookfield -
Birth of Son
Golding’s first son David was born. -
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The Royal Navy
William Golding temporarily abandoned his writing and teaching profession to join the Royal Navy to fight in World War II, where he spent the majority of his time on a boat. Here, he discovered his lasting passion for the ocean. His World War II experiences contributed to the creation of Lord of the Flies as well. -
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Inspiration from WWII Experiences
His experiences showed him what he believed to be the nature of all humans. He concluded “I began to see what people were capable of doing. Anyone who moved through those years without understanding that man produces evil as a bee produces honey, must have been blind or wrong in the head.” -
Daughter
Golding went back to teaching after World War II. Golding’s daughter, Judy, was born. -
Later Career
William Golding became a provincial school teacher and he would write his books in his spare time. -
Lord of the Flies Publication
William Golding finally published his debut novel, Lord of the Flies, after 21 rejections. In this novel, he explored a man’s inner struggle between good and evil. -
Retirment
He retired from teaching. He enjoyed and studied music, sailing, archaeology, and classical Greek. -
First Film Adaptation
Lord of the Flies was first adapted into a film by Peter Brook. -
Booker Prize
William Golding won the Booker Prize for his novel Rites of Passage. -
Nobel Prize for Literature
Golding won the 1983 Nobel Prize for Literature. He was awarded because “his novels which, with the perspicuity of realistic narrative art and the diversity and universality of myth, illuminate the human condition in the world of today." -
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
Golding was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II -
Second Film Adaptation
A newer version of the Lord of the Flies aired, which promoted the book to younger generations. -
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Later Years
Golding’s last years were spent peacefully with his wife in their house near Falmouth, Cornwall. -
Death
William Golding passes away due to a heart attack.
