I can analyze an author’s background and experiences to understand his purpose in writing his novel. Learning Target: Author’s Purpose

Background of a Famed British Writer Grew up in southwestern England; relatively isolated childhood as the son of rationalistic school teacher and strong- minded suffragette (both were atheists) Degree in science and literature  Teacher Joined British Royal Navy in World War II Resumed teaching and writing after service in Navy William Golding

Into Golding’s Psyche Encouraged to think for self  developed own religious thoughts but didn’t follow specific style Lower-middle class, modest upbringing  sense of inferiority with peers Socially awkward; felt out of place Biographers note him as “searching desperately for a part to play” as a young man (Koger) Good at multiple artistic undertakings but never found true success until Lord of the Flies was published

Into Golding’s Psyche Deeply admired father Death shook Golding badly; felt his father died without hope Admitted to being a fearful, haunted man afraid of being alone at night later in his life Referred to self as a “monster in deed, word, and thought” (Koger) Put on a smile to deal with fears; appeared happy and care-free to outside world

Approach to Writing Lord of the Flies Theological novelist  based novel on the connection between religious truth and humanity Focused on: Sin and guilt Innocence and its loss Responsibility and atonement for mistakes Targeted novel, The Coral Island, claiming humanity could save itself through religion; argued opposite (turn savage with no salvation)

A Point to Prove: Golding’s Purpose To tell a story that explores the dark side of humanity

A Point to Prove: Golding’s Purpose To do that, he writes an ALLEGORY  A story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson through symbolic characters

A Point to Prove: Author’s Purpose Golding took his inspiration for his content from deserted island books he and his wife read to his children. Given his experiences in war and his first-hand glimpse at the innate evil lurking in mankind, he felt it necessary to show people don’t always travel down the civilized path of order and democracy when suddenly out of society’s structure. For him, human nature is dark and frightening; it’s savage and cruel.

A Point to Prove: Author’s Purpose Golding’s family upbringing will inspire his need for a rational character, using his father as inspiration for proper action. He will take his religious views into consideration, offering up a character to serve as a savior. Given his purpose, though, that character will likely not survive. Golding’s fears and social awkwardness will come into play in writing believable archetypes, as he knows how each plays off the others.

A Point to Prove: Author’s Purpose Golding’s background as a literature teacher interested in science will serve him well, because he’ll set up a hypothesis to prove: Humanity can’t avoid its inner savagery when outside of structured civilization. He raises the questions, “If a number of young boys were to crash on an island, how long would it take for their civilized ways to crumble, and what would the result be?” Golding will use literary devices, specifically the ones we are studying, to put his reader in the moment with his characters.

A Point to Prove: Author’s Purpose Readers should concentrate on more than the surface meaning to tackle this text. In simple terms, it seems like an adventure story with foolish boys acting in ways no one in their right mind would be acting. Once a reader digs a little deeper into the allegorical nature of the text, however, the story suddenly becomes a psychological investigation of what humankind is truly made of. The themes, character types, structure, tone, and comments on the culture of the time period all expand Golding’s examination of humanity through his use of symbolism. He engages his readers in doing so.

A Point to Prove: Author’s Purpose Golding’s purpose is the glue binding them all together. He examines the dark side of humanity through his themes, characters, structure, tone, cultural implications, and symbolism. Without concentrating on each of these sub-categories, Golding’s novel would fall flat and be one- dimensional.

Interpretation: Making Connections Structure and Tone (Learning Target 4) Themes (Learning Target 1) Cultural Implications (Learning Target 3) Characterization (Learning Target 2) Allegory (Learning Target 5)

Works Cited Barratt, David. “William Golding.” Critical Survey of Long Fiction, 4 th Ed. (Jan. 2010): 1-8. Literary Reference Center. Web. 1 May Carter, Ron. “Lord of the Flies.” Masterplots, 4 th Ed. (Nov. 2010): 1-3. Literary Reference Center. Web. 1 May Kelly, Rebecca, and David Barratt. “William Golding.” Magill’s Survey of World Literature, Revised Ed. (Jan. 2009): 1-8. Literary Reference Center. Web. 1 May Koger, Grove. “William Golding.” Magill’s Literary Annual 2011 (2011): Literary Reference Center. Web. 1 May Wade, Stephen. “William Golding: A Visionary Storyteller.” Contemporary Review (2010): Literary Reference Center. Web. 1 May 2013.