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Birth
William Golding was born September 19, 1911 in Cornwell, England. His mother was an active suffragette who fought for women’s right to vote and his father was a schoolmaster. -
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The Life of William Golding
Events in William Golding's Life -
Early Education and Novels
William went to school at Marlborough Grammar School, the same school where his father worked. At 12 years old he attempted to write a novel as an outlet from bullying. -
College Education
Golding attended school at Brasenose College at Oxford University. After he graduated, he wrote his first book titled "Poems." A list of poems. -
Teaching
William Golding, following in his father's footsteps, began teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Woodsworth's School. His unruly students would inspire him to create the story Lord of the Flies. -
Royal Navy
William Golding joined the navy in 1940, sinking battleships and fighting submarines and planes. He disliked the experience, saying "I began to see what people were capable of doing. Anyone who moved through those years without understanding that man produces evil as a bee produces honey, must have been blind or wrong in the head.” -
Return
After World War II, Golding returns to writing and teaching. He does this at the school he formerly taught at. -
Lord of the Flies
William Golding publishes his first and most famous novel, Lord the the Flies. The novel being very philosophic gained appraise from many. -
Nobel Prize
Golding wins the Nobel Prize in Literature at 73 years old. This was 20 years after he had written Lord of the Flies. -
Sir William Golding
William Golding is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, making him Sir William Golding. -
Death
William Golding died of a heart attack on June 19, 1993. His famous stories outlive him.
