Rituals of Swimming

Summary

«Rituals of Swimming» is a novel by William Golding, which serves as the first part of the trilogy «To the Ends of the Earth». Set in the early 19th century aboard a naval ship bound for Australia, the story follows the young aristocrat Edmund Talbot, who keeps a journal detailing his observations and experiences. At the heart of the narrative is the clash of class and social differences, as well as the moral and ethical challenges faced by the passengers and crew. The novel reaches its climax with a tragic incident involving one of the passengers, Reverend Colley, who suffers humiliation and ultimately dies. The book explores themes of power, human nature, and social rituals.