William Faulkner

1. Faulkner's early life shaped his literary genius

"Childhood is the instrument of the storyteller."

Southern roots. William Faulkner's upbringing in Oxford, Mississippi, provided the foundation for his literary career. The rich history, complex social dynamics, and unique characters of the American South became the wellspring from which he drew inspiration for his fictional Yoknapatawpha County.

Family influence. Faulkner's family history, particularly the larger-than-life figure of his great-grandfather, Colonel William Clark Falkner, played a crucial role in shaping his imagination. The Colonel's exploits as a Civil War veteran, railroad builder, and writer became the basis for many of Faulkner's characters, most notably Colonel John Sartoris in "Sartoris" and Thomas Sutpen in "Absalom, Absalom!"

Early writing attempts. Faulkner's initial forays into writing were in poetry and short stories. These early works, while not commercially successful, allowed him to experiment with language and narrative techniques that would later define his unique literary style.

2. The Sound and the Fury: A revolutionary narrative technique

"I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire...I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it."

Stream of consciousness. "The Sound and the Fury" marked Faulkner's breakthrough as a novelist. The book's innovative use of stream of consciousness technique, particularly in the first section narrated by the mentally disabled Benjy Compson, challenged readers and revolutionized modern literature.

Multiple perspectives. The novel's structure, divided into four sections with different narrators, allowed Faulkner to explore the same events from various viewpoints. This technique provided a complex, multi-layered understanding of the Compson family's decline and the broader themes of time, memory, and the fall of the Old South.

Chronological disruption. Faulkner's deliberate disruption of linear time in the novel mirrored the chaotic mental states of his characters and forced readers to piece together the story actively. This approach to storytelling would become a hallmark of his later works.

3. Sanctuary: Exploring the depths of human depravity

"The past is never dead. It's not even past."

Controversial content. "Sanctuary" shocked readers with its graphic depiction of violence and sexual perversion. The novel's central event, the rape of Temple Drake with a corncob, became infamous and cemented Faulkner's reputation as a writer unafraid to delve into the darkest aspects of human nature.

Commercial success. Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial content, "Sanctuary" became Faulkner's first commercial success. This financial windfall allowed him to purchase his home, Rowan Oak, and provided him with a measure of financial stability.

Artistic compromise. Faulkner later claimed he wrote "Sanctuary" purely for money, calling it a "cheap idea." However, the novel's exploration of evil and its impact on both perpetrators and victims aligned with themes he would continue to explore throughout his career.

4. As I Lay Dying: A masterpiece of stream of consciousness

"My mother is a fish."

Rapid composition. Faulkner claimed to have written "As I Lay Dying" in just six weeks while working night shifts at a power plant. This intense period of creativity resulted in one of his most experimental and critically acclaimed works.

Multiple narrators. The novel features 15 different narrators over 59 chapters, each providing their perspective on the Bundren family's journey to bury Addie Bundren. This fragmented narrative structure allowed Faulkner to explore the complexities of family relationships and individual motivations.

Darkly comic elements. Despite its somber subject matter, "As I Lay Dying" incorporates elements of dark humor, particularly in the absurd situations the Bundren family encounters during their journey. This blend of tragedy and comedy would become another hallmark of Faulkner's style.

5. Light in August: Tackling race and identity in the South

"Memory believes before knowing remembers. Believes longer than recollects, longer than knowing even wonders."

Racial ambiguity. The character of Joe Christmas, whose racial identity is uncertain, allowed Faulkner to explore the complexities of race relations in the South. Christmas's struggle with his own identity and society's reaction to him highlighted the arbitrary nature of racial categories.

Religious themes. Through characters like the Reverend Gail Hightower and Joanna Burden, Faulkner examined the role of religion in Southern society and its often destructive impact on individuals.

Narrative innovation. While less experimental than some of his earlier works, "Light in August" continued Faulkner's use of non-linear storytelling and multiple perspectives to create a rich, layered narrative.

6. Pylon: A departure into the world of barnstormers

"They were ephemera and phenomena on the face of a contemporary scene."

New subject matter. "Pylon" represented a departure from Faulkner's usual Southern settings, focusing instead on the world of barnstorming pilots in the 1930s. This shift allowed him to explore themes of modernity and rootlessness.

Autobiographical elements. Faulkner's own fascination with aviation and his experiences at air shows influenced the novel's content and atmosphere.

Critical reception. While not as well-received as some of his other works, "Pylon" demonstrated Faulkner's ability to tackle diverse subjects and settings beyond his familiar Yoknapatawpha County.

7. Absalom, Absalom!: The pinnacle of Faulkner's narrative complexity

"Tell about the South. What's it like there. What do they do there. Why do they live there. Why do they live at all."

Historical scope. "Absalom, Absalom!" spans nearly a century of Southern history, from the antebellum period through Reconstruction and into the early 20th century. This broad temporal canvas allowed Faulkner to examine the long-term consequences of slavery and the Civil War on Southern society.

Narrative intricacy. The novel's complex structure, with multiple narrators recounting and reinterpreting events, pushed Faulkner's experimentation with narrative technique to new heights. The reader must actively piece together the story of Thomas Sutpen and his family from these often contradictory accounts.

Thematic depth. Through the story of Sutpen's rise and fall, Faulkner explored themes of racial identity, the burden of history, and the destructive nature of obsession. The novel's dense prose and intricate plot made it challenging for readers but cemented Faulkner's reputation as a literary master.

8. Hollywood years: A necessary evil for financial stability

"I don't like to work in any medium of expression which is not my own, which I did not create myself."

Financial motivation. Despite his growing literary reputation, Faulkner struggled financially throughout much of his career. His work as a screenwriter in Hollywood provided a much-needed source of income, allowing him to support his family and continue writing novels.

Artistic frustration. Faulkner found the collaborative nature of screenwriting and the constraints of the studio system frustrating. He often completed assignments quickly to return to his own writing projects.

Influential connections. Despite his dislike for Hollywood, Faulkner's time there allowed him to form important relationships, particularly with director Howard Hawks. These connections would prove valuable throughout his career.

9. Meta Carpenter: The great love affair that inspired Faulkner's work

"Between grief and nothing I will take grief."

Passionate relationship. Faulkner's affair with Meta Carpenter, which began during his time in Hollywood, was one of the most significant relationships of his life. Their intense connection provided emotional support and inspiration for his writing.

Impact on his work. Elements of Faulkner's relationship with Meta can be seen in several of his works, particularly in the character of Charlotte Rittenmeyer in "The Wild Palms" (later retitled "If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem").

Unfulfilled potential. Despite the depth of their feelings, Faulkner ultimately chose to remain with his wife, Estelle. The bittersweet nature of this unfulfilled relationship echoes through many of his later works, informing his exploration of love, loss, and regret.

Last updated: August 8, 2024