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International Women’s Day

William Golding was frequently asked why he chose to feature only boys in Lord of the Flies, rather than including girls as part of the group. Golding replied, as you can hear in this video, that he understood what it was to be a boy, as he had been one, and had also taught boys throughout his teaching career. However, in the same interview, Golding revealed the high esteem in which he held women saying:

‘I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men, they are far superior and always have been.’

Golding’s response has been transformed into a popular internet meme, which always trends on International Women’s Day, although it is important to note that on occasion, lines from Erick S Gray are added to this quotation, and wrongly attributed to Golding.

On this International Women’s Day 2017, we are launching a new article series focusing on Golding and women. This series will include articles on The Double Tongue, Golding’s only novel to feature a female protagonist; the role of Golding’s wife and daughter in his life; the characters of Sophy and Toni in Darkness Visible; and an examination of modern dystopian fiction which feature women or girls as the group trying to survive.

International Women’s Day 2018 post: Fa

International Women’s Day 2019: Sophy

International Women’s Day 2020: Ann Golding

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