His nature is sinful and his state perilous-(Golding, "Fable-, The Hot Gates and Other Occasional Pieces, Harcourt, Brace & World, New York, 1965, page 61). ... William Golding's own experiences with a devastated world led in part to the dark picture of humanity painted in his novel. ... During World War II he served in the Royal Navy as commander of a rocket ship. ... For nearly 50 years after World War II, the U.S.S.R. and the United States engaged in a race for arms supremacy. ... Contemporary developments in world politics also played a large part in The Heart of Darkness. ...

• Word Count: 4223
• Approx Pages: 17
• Grade Level: High School