Rituals of Swimming

Historical Context and Significance

William Golding's novel «Rituals of Swimming», published in 1980, is the first part of the trilogy «To the Ends of the Earth». The book won the Booker Prize in 1980, highlighting its literary significance and acclaim. Set on a ship sailing from England to Australia in the early 19th century, the novel explores themes of class differences, moral dilemmas, and human nature. Golding uses the sea voyage as a metaphor to examine social structures and personal transformations. The book has influenced the cultural perception of sea voyages as a microcosm of society and remains an important part of the study of English literature, showcasing Golding's skill in crafting complex and layered narratives.