William Golding

1911 - 1993 *

British novelist who explored the dark places in human nature, winning the Nobel Prize for literature

Golding's works deal primarily with the conflicts of the mind and instinct. All of his major works present humans as innately aggressive and sinful. Of particular note is his most famous work, The Lord of the Flies which follows murder and anarchy which descend upon a group of boys stranded on an island. As is the case in many of works including Pincher Martin, which is set at sea, the internal conflicts are fought in isolation.

Golding won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1983.

          Source: Classics Network Editorial Team

English novelist who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1983. The choice was unexpected, because the internationally famous novelist Graham Greene (1904-1991) was considered the strongest candidate from the English writers. In many works Golding has revealed the dark places of human heart, when isolated individuals or small groups are pushed into extreme situations. His work is characterized by exploration of 'the darkness of man's heart', deep spiritual and ethical questions.

"Twenty-five years ago I accepted the label 'pessimist' thoughtlessly without realising that i... [read entire biography]

          Source: Petri Liukkonen

These essays offer analysis of the author's life and works. Many of them have been submitted by users, and are assigned an Editorial Rating on a scale from one to five stars to assist you in evaluating their worth. See also: Note on Essays, Editorial Policy.

     

Regressive Instinct & Civilization in Lord of the Flies -- The essay seeks to delve into the realm of unconscious mind to bring out the relation between truth & civilization in Golding's novel.
By Avik Gangopadhyay, Masters Student	Editorial Rating:

The Lord of the Flies: Who took the road less traveled by after all? -- Ralph and Jack's representations of the different paths each stranded boy is forced to choose on his downward spiral to savagery and the loss of basic humanity.
By E.J. Rifkin,	Editorial Rating:

Civilization: Masking the Face of Savagery -- An essay discussing William Golding's examination of the corruption and decay of human social order through use of allegorical references.
By Lucas Lopatka,	Editorial Rating:

The Symbols of evil in Lord Of The Flies -- The complex network of symbolism in William Goldings' Lord of The Flies.
By Chelsea Sherrick, High School Student	Editorial Rating:

Ralph in "Lord of the Flies" -- Determined Ralph changes his view caused by events on the isolated island.Leslie Ann Hainke
By Leslie Hainke, Student	Editorial Rating:

"Lord of the Flies" -"Mans Essential Sickness" -- Reading against victorian optimism and to the horrors of the 20th century William Golding chose to express his anti-utopian views about humanity in "Lord of the Flies". Explore how Golding crafts his narrative in order to voice his philosophical view
By Craig Burton, Student	Editorial Rating:

We Never Took the Lesson - on Lord of the Flies -- A response to the novel in terms of its symbolism, introducing a new reading about its humanity.
By somaye noori zenoz, Student	Editorial Rating:

Lord of the Flies - Fables and Allegories -- The text as an allegory for its contemporary society.
By James Cox, Student	Editorial Rating:

Lord of the Flies as a Symbolic and Allegorical Work -- An investigation of Golding's novel as allegory.
By gulmeena shahid,	Editorial Rating:

Symbolism in Lord of the Flies -- A brief assessment of symbolism in Golding's novel.
By Giuseppe Petrucci, High School Student	Editorial Rating:

"Perfect portrayal" -- "A look at the realistic potrayal of the boys in Golding's Lord of the Flies"
By Ashlee Newman, Student	Editorial Rating:

     

Miscellaneous

		Lord of the Flies Info Page -- descriptions of the main characters, a plot summary, and some analysis of the themes and symbols in the novel http://www.gerenser.com/lotf/ Editorial Rating: Number of Visitors: 939 14 users have rated it an average of 4.64 stars     [rate it] A Tribute To William Golding -- includes biographies, pictures, novels and stories of Wiliam Golding http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/62... Editorial Rating: Number of Visitors: 1392 17 users have rated it an average of 3.35 stars     [rate it]

     

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Additional searches

Golding at Encarta Encyclopedia

Golding at Britannica Encyclopedia

Golding at Xrefer.com