2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Maslow’s Heirarchy

9. Kohlberg’s Six Moral Stages