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William Gerald Golding was born in Cornwall, England. His father, Alec Golding, was a schoolmaster, and his mother, Mildred, was a women's suffragette. -
Golding began writing at a young age, reportedly starting his first novel at the age of twelve. However, he was also a rebellious child who enjoyed bullying.
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He attended Brasenose College, Oxford, initially studying natural sciences for two years. Following this, he switched to English literature, fostering his passion for writing.
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William published a book of poetry. However, it was not successful. -
Golding became a schoolmaster at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. He also married Ann Brookfield in this year, and they later had two children. -
During World War II, Golding joined the Royal Navy and participated in various operations. These included the sinking of the Bismarck and the D-Day landings, which significantly influenced his understanding of human nature and the capacity for violence.
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After the war, William returned to his teaching position at Bishop Wordsworth's School. He continued to teach while also pursuing his writing career.
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Lord of the Flies, Golding's most famous novel, was published. Initially, it was not a commercial success, but it later became a bestseller and a classic of modern literature. -
After the success of Lord of the Flies grew, Golding resigned from teaching to dedicate himself fully to writing. This marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to focus entirely on his literary work.
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William Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nobel committee recognized him as a writer "for his novels which illuminate the human condition in the world today." -
Golding was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. This honor recognized his significant contribution to literature and his impact on British culture. -
William Golding died of heart failure in Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England. His death marked the end of a distinguished literary career.