William Faulkner—one of the greatest American authors of the twentieth century—has made an undeniable mark on America’s literary development. His works, both acclaimed and lauded for their complexity, have captivated and moved readers for generations. This essay looks at why you should read Faulkner and explores the impact of his work on American literature.
Who Is William Faulkner?
William Faulkner was born in 1897 in Mississippi and lived until his death in 1962. During his lifetime, he wrote fifteen novels, many short stories, and several screenplays, which earned him two Pulitzer Prizes, two national book awards, and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949. Faulkner was known for his stream-of-consciousness narrative style and his use of intricate and often ornate prose to tell stories of the fictional Yoknapatawpha County in Mississippi.
What Makes Faulkner So Special?
Most booklovers would agree that Faulkner wrote some of the most iconic works of literature in all of modern American history. But what truly sets him apart from his peers is his ability to craft stories that connect readers to a deeper, perhaps more spiritual understanding of the human condition. His works are not just stories—they’re philosophical musings, poetry, and thoughts on the human experience all wrapped up in narratives. Whether it’s the power of the human soul in “As I Lay Dying” or the struggle between old and new South in “The Sound and the Fury,” Faulkner puts a unique spin on classic themes to create captivating works of literature. Many readers are also attracted to Faulkner’s writing because of his unique use of language and syntax. His intricate and consistent use of words and phrases has been credited with paving the way for modern American authors to take stylistic risks with their writing.
What Are the Major Works of Faulkner?
Faulkner is famous for a number of works, most notably “The Sound and the Fury”, “As I Lay Dying”, and “Light in August”. All three of these works have been widely studied in classrooms across the United States, making Faulkner’s work a staple of English literary education.
The Sound and The Fury
“The Sound and The Fury” is perhaps Faulkner’s most renowned work. The novel follows three related families across the span of a single day and presents a story of privilege, the struggle of race in America, and the human tragedy of regret.
As I Lay Dying
In “As I Lay Dying”, Faulkner examines the human experience by narrating the limits of physical suffering and the dedication of a family to fulfill the last wishes of their dying matriarch.
Light In August
Finally, “Light In August” is Faulkner’s exploration of small-town race relations in the South. Through characterization and a complex narrative structure, Faulkner tells the story of a small group of characters connected by the past and present struggles of identity in a deeply divided piece of the American South.
Why Should You Read Faulkner?
There are many reasons to read Faulkner. His stories are not only thought-provoking and beautifully written, but he also offers readers an intimate look at the cultural landscape of America during the 20th century. His use of language is unparalleled and his works are truly timeless. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should read Faulkner:
-
He Tackles Complex Issues: From racism in the South to moral dilemmas, Faulkner tackles complex issues that still resonate today.
-
He Offers Insights into the Human Experience: Faulkner’s works offer insight into the human experience by exploring topics such as guilt, regret, and the power of the human soul.
-
His Narrative Style is Unique: From his stream-of-consciousness narration to his unique use of language, Faulkner’s narrative style is one of the defining features of his writing.
-
He Exposes the Tragedy of the Human Condition: Many of Faulkner’s works capture the tragedy of the human condition, showing readers the fragility of life and the beauty of human connection.
-
His Works are Timeless: From its timeless story of race relations to its intricate use of language, Faulkner’s works continue to captivate readers for generations.
William Faulkner is one of the twentieth century’s most iconic American authors. From his use of language to his exploration of the human experience, Faulkner’s works are as powerful and relevant today as they were when they were first written. Whether you are new to Faulkner’s works, or returning after so many years, his words will deeply move, captivate, and inspire you.
