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Birthdate
William Golding's birthday in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was born to a rationalist father and a mother who strongly supported woman's suffrage.
"William Golding." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 23 May 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. http://www.biography.com/people/william-golding-9314523#lord-of-the-flies. -
Education
William Golding received his early education at the school his father taught at. At the age of 12, he attempted to write his first novel, but was unsuccessful in doing so. His latter education was at Brasenose College at Oxford University, where he changed from the sciences to pursue literature, and published his first book, "Poems". -
Early Careers
Golding worked in settlement houses and small theatres for a time, but later decided to follow in his father's footsteps and taught English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. Golding's experiences in teaching the unruly boys was later his inspiration for "Lord of the Flies".
"William Golding." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 23 May 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. http://www.biography.com/people/william-golding-9314523#lord-of-the-flies. -
Royal Navy and WWII
Golding, though passionate for his career, joined the Royal Navy for WWII. He spent the next five years on a ship, experiencing the cruelties of humankind, surrendering his father's rationalist ideas. He once stated, "Man produces evil as a bee produce honey."
"William Golding." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 23 May 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. http://www.biography.com/people/william-golding-9314523#lord-of-the-flies. -
Lord of the Flies
After being rejected 21 times, Golding published his first, and most famous book, "Lord of the Flies". The novel explored the savage side of human nature with a group of stranded boys who turn on each other without the restrictions of society.
Maureen, Kelly. "Lord of the Flies." William Golding. CliffsNotes, n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/l/lord-of-the-flies/william-golding-biography-2. -
The Inheritors
A novel which quickly followed Lord of the Flies. Golding wrote and published "The Inheritors", a prehistoric fiction of how the Homo Sapiens achieved victory over the Neanderthals.
Maureen, Kelly. "Lord of the Flies." William Golding. CliffsNotes, n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/l/lord-of-the-flies/william-golding-biography-2. -
Royal Society of Literature
Following Golding's publication of "Lord of the Flies," was granted membership to the Royal Society of Literature.
"William Golding." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 23 May 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. http://www.biography.com/people/william-golding-9314523#lord-of-the-flies. -
Pincher Martin
A story written in the perspective of a navy lieutenant thrown off his ship in combat. The rest of the story is his survival by clinging onto a rock.
Maureen, Kelly. "Lord of the Flies." William Golding. CliffsNotes, n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/l/lord-of-the-flies/william-golding-biography-2. -
Death
William Golding died of a heart attack in Perranarworthal, Cornwall. He lived the last few years of his life quietly living with his wife.
"William Golding." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 23 May 2016. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. http://www.biography.com/people/william-golding-9314523#lord-of-the-flies.
