Allegpry and Symbol in the Novels of William Golding

Abstract

<p>The thesis attempts by a chronological examination of the novels of William Garald Golding to demonstrate the existence a sequence of allegorical explanation of the basic nature of men. This, it will be argued, constitutes a unifying link between the novels of a type not noticed by other critics.</p> <p>In addition, following a general consideration of the allegorical mode, it will be suggested that traditional conception of thenature of allegory limit unnecessarily the scope and function of the mode.</p> <p>Finally, in the Appendix, the sixth novel, not a part of the sequence, will be briefly examined, and its relationship to the other five novels suggested.</p>