William Golding, Free Fall

Peter Childs (Birmingham Newman University)

Ed. by Peter Childs, Birmingham Newman University
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.09: English Writing and Culture: Postwar and Contemporary Britain , 1945-present.
Vol. editors: Gina Lyle (University of Glasgow), Graham MacPhee (University of Manchester), Kerry Myler (Birmingham Newman University), Jenni Ramone (The Nottingham Trent University)

Dates

First circulation or publication 1959

Places

England (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Novel

Resources

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Free Fall

was Golding’s fourth novel, published in 1959 to mixed reviews. Many reviewers found fault with the structure, the style, the language, and with Golding’s philosophizing. However, others have seen the book as among Golding’s best, its serious consideration of the mistakes and decisions that shape a life lending a more affecting resonance to the reflections on human nature and morality also found in Golding’s first three novels.

Drawing on elements from Golding’s own early life, Free Fall is in many ways allegorical. It is the confessional story of Sammy Mountjoy’s attempt to discover where he lost his capacity to choose. In Golding’s view, the renunciation of choice might be likened to free falling. If a parachutist jumps out of a plane, it is a freely made

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2165 words

Citation: Childs, Peter. "Free Fall". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 February 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=11699, accessed 18 April 2024.]

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