THE PHILOSOPHICAL INTERPRETATION OF HUMAN NATURE IN THE FANTASY NOVELS OF WILLIAM GOLDING

This study examines the philosophical interpretation of human nature in the novels of William Golding, one of the most significant representatives of twentieth-century English literature. The research focuses on the representation of morality, good and evil, freedom, responsibility, consciousness, and the relationship between the individual and society. Particular attention is given to Lord of the Flies, The Inheritors, Pincher Martin, and The Spire, which explore the contradictions of human existence through symbolic imagery, allegorical structures, imaginative settings, and complex characterization. The study investigates how Golding challenges conventional assumptions about civilization, moral progress, and human behaviour by revealing the influence of fear, aggression, ambition, and social pressure on individual decisions. It also analyses the role of literary devices in expressing philosophical ideas and demonstrates how Golding's fiction functions as a medium for exploring ethical and existential questions. The research employs analytical, descriptive, comparative, and symbolic approaches to identify recurring philosophical themes across the selected novels. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Golding's literary vision and highlight the continuing relevance of his interpretation of human nature in contemporary literary and philosophical studies.