I do like people to read the books twice, because I write my novels about ideas which concern me deeply and I think are important, and therefore I want people to take them seriously. And to read it twice of course is taking it seriously.
Interpretation
Golding emphasizes the importance of deeply engaging with literature by reading books multiple times.
In this quote, William Golding expresses his desire for readers to fully engage with his novels, which are rooted in ideas he finds significant. By encouraging multiple readings, he highlights that true understanding and appreciation of literary works come from a serious and reflective approach to the material, allowing readers to grasp the deeper meanings and themes inherent in his writing.
In practice
During a book club discussion about Golding's work, a member might suggest, 'As Golding advises, we should consider reading this book twice to uncover deeper meanings.'
Consider a man riding a bicycle. Whoever he is, we can say three things about him. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. Most important of all, we know that if at any point between the beginning and the end of his journey he stops moving and does not get off the bicycle he will fall off it. That is a metaphor for the journey through life of any living thing, and I think of any society of living things.
The skull regarded Ralph like one who knows all the answers and won't tell.
Maybe, he said hesitantly, maybe there is a beast. The assembly cried out savagely and Ralph stood up in amazement. You, Simon? You believe in this? I don't know, said Simon. His heartbeats were choking him. [...] Ralph shouted. Hear him! He's got the conch! What I mean is . . . maybe it's only us. Nuts! That was from Piggy, shocked out of decorum.
The mask was a thing on it's own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-conciousness.
Man produces evil as a bee produces honey.
Utopias are presented for our inspection as a critique of the human state.
Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none
Sing, O muse, of the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.
you can tell the deepest truths with the lies of fiction
I am one of the writers who wish to create serious works of literature which dissociate themselves from those novels which are mere reflections of the vast consumer cultures of Tokyo and the subcultures of the world at large.
Comerado, this is no book,Who touches this, touches a man,(Is it night? Are we here alone?)It is I you hold, and who holds you,I spring from the pages into your arms-decease calls me forth.
I have been attacked in Turkey more for my interviews than for my books. Political polemicists and columnists do not read novels there.
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