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Born
William Golding was born in Cornwall, England. His mother was a dedicated supporter of the British suffragette movement. -
College
He attended Brasenose College at Oxford University and studied English Literature. He spent 2 years studying science. In his third year of college he switched his college course to literature. -
Published First Book
William Golding published his first poem book called "Poems" because of his constant interest in poetry. It was overlooked by critics. -
Started Work
After college, he worked in settlement houses and the theater for a time. He was a writer, an actor, and a producer, and a part time social worker. -
Started Teaching
He taught English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth's School. At that time, he married Ann Brookfield, he had two children with her. -
Joined Navy
He abandoned his profession and joined the Royal Navy in World War II for five years. He became Lieutenant Golding. -
Continued Teaching
After World War II, he continued teaching and writing after he returned from the Royal Navy. -
Lord of the Flies
After 21 rejections, he finally published the successful, "Lord of the Flies" which was hugely inspired by his prior experience in the Navy. -
Nobel Prize
At the age of 73, William Golding was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. -
Knighted
He was knighted by England's Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 78. -
Died
He lived a silent life with his wife for the last few years of his life before he tragically died from a heart attack in Cornwall.