THE INTERPLAY OF PHILOSOPHY AND FANTASY IN WILLIAM GOLDING'S LITERARY

This study explores the interplay of philosophy and fantasy in the literary works of William Golding, a prominent representative of twentieth-century English literature. It examines how imaginative narratives, symbolic imagery, allegorical structures, and unconventional narrative techniques contribute to the expression of philosophical ideas concerning human nature, morality, freedom, consciousness, and civilization. Particular attention is given to Lord of the Flies, The Inheritors, Pincher Martin, and The Spire, which illustrate Golding's sustained interest in the contradictions of human existence and the relationship between individual behaviour and social order. The research investigates how the author employs imaginative settings and symbolic representations to explore the nature of good and evil, the limitations of rationality, the consequences of ambition, and the fragility of moral values. Using analytical, comparative, descriptive, and interpretative methods, the study demonstrates that fantasy and imaginative elements in Golding's fiction serve not merely as artistic devices but also as instruments of philosophical inquiry. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Golding's literary vision and highlight the significance of the relationship between philosophical reflection and imaginative representation in modern English literature.