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William Golding

  • Early Life

    Early Life
    On September 19, 1911, William Golding was born in Cornwall, England. His two parents were strong supporters of the women's rights movement and in realism. His father was also a school teacher teaching at Marlborough Grammar School.
  • Early Education

    Early Education
    William attended the school his father worked at and aspired to be an author. He wrote a book which led unsuccessful, and as an outlet he bullied others.
  • University

    University
    William attended Brasenose College at Oxford University after primary school. His family had high hopes for him to become a scientist, but William was more interested in writing and English literature. He published a book of poetry called Poems which was, unfortunately, again, unsuccessful.
  • Theater

    Theater
    After university, William worked as an actor, writer and producer in a small theater. Which helped him pay his bills and gain literacy influences.
  • Teaching

    Teaching
    William took a position teaching at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. He taught English and philosophy to young boys who were considered unruly, which was inspiration for the book Lord of the Flies.
  • Royal Navy

    Royal Navy
    William abandoned his teaching position and joined the Royal Navy, during World War II. He spent most of his time on a boat and developed a love for sailing and the sea. He witnessed a lot of things during the war which aided in his fictional writings.
  • 'Lord of the Flies'

    'Lord of the Flies'
    After William's writing being rejected 21 times he published the renowned novel, Lord of the Flies. The novel portrayed human nature and "man’s internal struggle between good and evil."
  • Retirement and death

    Retirement and death
    William spent his last few years with his wife Ann Brookfield, which he had two children with, David and Judith. He died of a heart attack on June 19, 1993. Leaving his completed manuscript for The Double Tongue.