EXISTENTIALISM IN WILLIAM GOLDING'S FICTION: AN ANALYSIS OF HUMAN NATURE AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

This study examines the existential dimensions of William Golding's fiction, particularly focusing on his renowned novel Lord of the Flies. Golding's literary works explore fundamental existential concerns such as freedom, responsibility, isolation, morality, and the search for meaning in an apparently indifferent world. Through textual analysis and philosophical interpretation, the study investigates how Golding portrays human beings confronting existential dilemmas. The findings reveal that Golding presents a pessimistic yet profound vision of humanity, emphasizing the individual's responsibility for moral choices and the inherent struggle between civilization and savagery. The research contributes to the understanding of existential themes in twentieth-century English literature and highlights Golding's significance as a novelist concerned with the complexities of human existence.