was Golding’s fourth novel, published in 1959 to mixed reviews. Many reviewers found fault with the structure, the style, the language, and with Golding’s philosophizing. However, others have seen the book as among Golding’s best, its serious consideration of the mistakes and decisions that shape a life lending a more affecting resonance to the reflections on human nature and morality also found in Golding’s first three novels.
Drawing on elements from Golding’s own early life, Free Fall is in many ways allegorical. It is the confessional story of Sammy Mountjoy’s attempt to discover where he lost his capacity to choose. In Golding’s view, the renunciation of choice might be likened to free falling. If a parachutist jumps out of a plane, it is a freely made
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Citation: Childs, Peter. "Free Fall". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 February 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=11699, accessed 21 November 2024.]
