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Early Life
William Golding was born on September 19, 1911, in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was raised in a 14th-century house next door to a graveyard. His mother, Mildred, was an active suffragette who fought for women’s right to vote. His father, Alex, worked as a schoolmaster. -
William's School life
William received his early education at the school his father ran, Marlborough Grammar School. When William was just 12 years old, he attempted, unsuccessfully, to write a novel. A frustrated child, he found an outlet in 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.” -
Attended Brasenose College
William Golding went to Brasenose College at Oxford in 1930. He studied science which was against his father's beliefs. He then switched to the literature program. -
Started teaching in Salisbury
William Golding started teaching English and Philosphy at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. He was very passionate about his job. -
Joined the Royal Navy
After five years of teaching, Golding joined the Royal Navy to fight in World War II. He spent six years fighting in this war and figured out one of his callings. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant in those years. -
Went back to teaching
After Golding bravely served throughout World War II, he went back to his profession of teaching. He finally went back to his other calling. -
Got "Lord of the Flies" published
After 21 rejections, Golding got his first and most critically acclaimed book, "Lord of the Flies" published. His book was full of symbolism and still is taught in classrooms around the world today. -
Film adaptation of "Lord of the Flies" was made
The first film adaptation of Golding's book, "Lord of the Flies" is made by film producer, Peter Brook. This happened a year after Golding had retired from teaching. -
Won the Noble prize for literature
In 1983, at the age of 73, Golding won the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. This showed just how influential his novel was. -
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
In the summer of 1988, William Golding was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He was the age of 78 when this happened. -
Death
William Golding died in Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England. His cause of death was congestive heart failure at the age of 81.