Rituals of Swimming

Style and Technique

William Golding's novel «Rituals of Swimming» is characterized by its intricate structure and rich language. The narrative style is shaped through the diary entries of the main character, Edmund Talbot, giving the text a personal and subjective tone. Golding employs archaic and formal language to convey the atmosphere of the early 19th century, when the story takes place. Literary techniques include irony and satire, which the author uses to critique social norms and class differences. The story's structure revolves around the sea voyage, which becomes a metaphor for the spiritual and social transition of the characters. Golding skillfully uses symbolism and allegory to highlight themes of moral choice and human nature. Dialogues play a crucial role in the book, helping to reveal the characters' personalities and internal conflicts. Thus, «Rituals of Swimming» is a multi-layered work where style and technique serve to deeply explore human psychology and social structures.