William Golding’s Vision and the Twentieth-Century Novel: Human Nature, Moral Crisis, and Narrative Innovation

Abstract

The twentieth century stands as one of the most transformative periods in literary history, marked by radical shifts in philosophical outlook, narrative form, and thematic concern. Among the writers who engaged profoundly with the crises of modernity, William Golding occupies a distinctive position. His fiction reflects a deeply sceptical vision of human nature, shaped by the catastrophic events of the Second World War and the collapse of Enlightenment optimism. This research paper explores Golding’s views within the broader framework of the twentieth-century novel, examining how his works respond to and reshape contemporary literary traditions. It analyses his treatment of human nature, his use of symbolism and allegory, and his engagement with moral philosophy. By situating Golding alongside modernist and post-war novelists, the paper demonstrates that his writing represents a synthesis of traditional narrative clarity and modernist psychological depth. Through close reading and critical interpretation, this study argues that Golding’s fiction not only reflects the anxieties of his age but also offers a timeless meditation on the inherent tensions between civilization and savagery. His contribution to the twentieth-century novel lies in his ability to expose the fragility of moral order and to challenge readers to confront the darker aspects of human existence.