The correct answer to this is: 'they were uplifting and powerful'.
<u>Explanation:</u>
Reviewing the detail, William Golding took part in many battles during World War II including D-day.
So according to the reliable sources, the most probable answer to it is that '<u>they were uplifting and powerful' at the same time'</u>.
William Golding is widely known for presenting himself as an inspiration and a figure during these hard times like that of World War II including D-day.