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Birth
Golding was born in Newquay, United kingdom. His parents were Mildred and Alec Golding. -
Childhood
He was born in his grandparents’ house in Newquay, Cornwall. When William was 12 years old, he attempted to write an unsuccessful novel. He was said to be a frustrated child, he would start bullying his peers. Later in life, William would describe his childhood self as a brat, even going so far as to say, “I enjoyed hurting people.” -
Education
He attended Brasenose College at Oxford University. His father hoped he would become a scientist, but William wanted to study English literature instead. He then decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. In 1935 Golding took a position teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. Golding’s experience teaching misbehaved young boys would later become an inspiration for his novel Lord of the Flies. In 1940 Golding joined the Royal Navy and fought in World War II. -
Marriage/ Family/ Children
Golding married Ann Brookfield, an analytical chemist, on 30 September 1939. They had two children, David (born September 1940) and Judith (born July 1945). -
Interesting Facts
He was rejected 21 times before publishing his first novel, Lord of the Flies. He was also an actor and musician, and many writers have borrowed plot elements from Lord of the Flies. -
Book
Golding went on to create Lord of The Flies most likely inspired by fighting for the British Navy during World War II. He saw some horrific events during his time in the Navy including the D-Day landing at Normandy the sinking of the German battleship, and battles with other ships. After witnessing all that, he said that "man produces evil like bees produce honey." Lord of the Flies was published in -
Awards
Golding won a Booker Prize in 1980 for his novel Rites of Passage, and a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983 for his novels. -
Death
William Golding died from heart failure in June 19, 1993.