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William Golding is Born
He is born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was raised in a 14th-century home next to a graveyard. -
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Golding's Early Education
Golding went to Marlborough Grammar School, which his father was in charge of. During this time, at the age of 12 he attempted to write a novel. When he failed to do so, he directed this anger at his peers, whom he then bullied.
(All dates/ranges are arbitrary/educated guesses at when certain things happened in his life) -
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Golding goes to College
Golding attends Brasenose College at Oxford University. While his father wanted him to become a scientist, Golding chose to study English literature instead. Golding published his first book titled "Poems" a year before his graduation. -
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Golding teaches English
He took up a position teaching English and Philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. This teaching experience would later inspire his novel "Lord of the Flies". While he liked teaching, he left his post to join the Royal Navy to fight in WWII. -
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Golding fights in World War II
Golding served in the Royal Navy and spent just about 6 years on a boat. During this time, Golding fell in love with sailing and the sea. His experiences in WWII would provide substance for his later novels. -
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Golding teaches English after WW II
Golding goes back to teaching after a brief time in the Royal Navy. -
Golding Publishes "Lord of the Flies"
After 21 rejections, Golding finally publishes what will be the novel he is remembered by the most: "Lord of the Flies". Drawing upon his experiences with unruly children and World War II, he is able to make a undeniably realistic atmosphere and story. It has been widely regarded as a classic, and taught around the world. It will later be made into a movie in 1963, and one again in 1990. -
Golding is Awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize for Literature
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Golding is Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
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William Gerald Golding Dies
He passed away due to a heart attack while in Perranarworthal, Cornwall. However, in his honor, his draft of "The Double Tongue" was published after his death.
