The Novels of William Golding: A Study in Criticism, Structure and Development

Abstract

<p>The following study deals primarily with the major critical responses to William Golding's early fiction, the structural composition of Golding's fifth novel, The Spire, and the author's departure from his customary compositional patterns in his latest novel, The Pyramid.</p> <p>In Chapter I, the introduction to this thesis, I have provided a short biographical study of the author, documenting his early influences and directions.</p> <p>Chapter II evaluates the major critical trends that have developed in response to the first four novels, Lord of the Flies, The Inheritors, Pincher Martin and Free Fall. Each of the dominant patterns of critical thought is considered in the light of Golding's world view as it emerges from his fiction and essays and as it has been articulated by the author himself in a number of interviews. In this way I have attempted to adjust the predominantly moralistic approach of a significant number of critics.</p> <p>In the third chapter, I have provided an in-depth structural analysis of The Spire. Essentially I have analysed each chapter of the novel in an effort to determine what and how it contributes to the cumulative effect of the tale. In adopting this approach I have attempted to adhere as closely as possible to the gradual manner in which central elements of information are dispensed through the tortured perspective of Dean Jocelin, the novel's protagonist. The chapter concludes with a brief commentary on the novel's resolution, the cumulative effect of the information dispensed, and the identity of Goody Pangall.</p> <p>The final chapter attempts to demonstrate the innovative qualities of Golding's latest full-length novel, The Pyramid. The introduction of a "real" protagonist in the setting of the modern "ordinary universe", along with Golding's innovative restatement of a favourite theme, and the superficial independence of the novel's three sections suggest that The Pyramid is largely an experimental effort on the part of the author.</p> <p>In the Conclusion to this work, I have suggested a number of areas that remain unexplored and that may be interesting and rewarding upon consideration by future Golding critics.</p>