William Golding Born 1911 Died 1993 Grew up during the years before WWII Believed war changed man’s thinking about man’s essential nature Because of the time period, believed men went from good-hearted to evil

Golding Bio Decided to be a writer at age 12 Studied literature in college Joined the Royal Navy in 1939 While at war, he found that war didn’t teach politics or fighting, but that it taught the given nature of man.

After the war… Returned home to teach in a boys’ school. Boys in Lord of the Flies are based on kids he knew.

Other Influences Coral Island – Robert Ballantyne Tarzan of the Apes – Edgar Rice Burroughs Both show man as a basically good creature that struggles against the evils of society.

Lord of the Flies The fourth novel he wrote Rejected by more than 20 publishers Published in 1954 Not a hit at first In the 1960’s, it came to the attention of high school and college kids. Critics finally acknowledged his talent.

Characterization in LOTF Many themes about society and it’s individuals are represented through the characters in LOTF. As you read, think about the following concepts and which characters represents each of them in the novel. Civilized Structure vs. Savage Instinct Natural goodness Morality Rational side of civilization Cruelty Primordial instinct

Maslow’s Heirarchy

Kohlberg’s Six Moral Stages