William Faulkner (born Falkner) was a Southern writer born in Oxford, Mississippi and widely considered to be as important an influence on American literature as Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams. Born in 1897 to a moderately well-off family, Faulkner had the privilege of being cared for by a nanny. Faulkner's mother, maternal grandmother and African American nanny, were profound creative influences in his life. Through their tutoring in visual arts and general encouragement of his talents, these women played a crucial role in Faulkner's literary success.
The works of Faulkner are celebrated and studied in detail at the University of Mississippi, despite the fact that he only attended the school for three semesters in 1919 and 1920. The culture of the region and the history of his family also presented transparently in his works. Faulkner was keenly aware of the old conflict between African Americans and Caucasian Americans; plus with the personal influence of having a Black female nanny, he was made more aware of the politics of sexuality in race.
Faulkner often used traditional themes in his writings, while skillfully portraying characters in their backward ways for a purpose. A common occurrence in his stories were the use of highly intelligent characters who hid behind the 'Good Old Boys' stereotype. Yet the rhythm of his words were untried at the time. While others were understating their stories, using a minimalist method of description, Faulkner did the opposite. He wrote in a rhythmic emotional style, with complex and realistic scenes taking shape in subtle ways.
Faulkner may have come from a family with money, but his adult life was speckled with periods of poverty. He would often take writing jobs wherever he could get them, including screen writing for Hollywood studios. Between 1920 and 1940, Faulkner penned at least 13 novels and innumerable short stories. It was during this period that he did some of his best work. The 1929 fiction novel, The Sound and the Fury is still considered one of the best. As are As I Lay Dying (1930) and Light in August (1932). Up until the presentation of his Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949, Faulkner was not well known. In American literary circles his name made the rounds, but the average scholar had not heard of William Faulkner, let alone the ordinary American. Nobel committee members recognized him for his "powerful and artistically unique contribution to the modern American novel."
Beginning in 1989, Dean Faulkner Wells (niece of William Faulkner) and her husband created the Faux Faulkner contest in which contestants are to parody the artistic style of writing conceived by her uncle. Faux Faulkner was met with huge success, as no other contest of its kind exists. Entries were to be 500 words or less, and make use of typical Faulkner humor, themes, and characters. More than 16 awards have been handed out since 1989.
The University of Mississippi has committed itself to the life and celebration of William Faulkner in many ways. Southern writing is studied in abundance of course, but the works of Faulkner are considered an important element of coursework. The university has even created a website entitled William Faulkner on the Web, and it is wholly dedicated to populating an evolving guide to his life and works. Exploration of the Faulkner style will always be open to new interpretations from coming generations, and with some fortune perhaps another writer of his caliber will emerge.
The works of Faulkner are celebrated and studied in detail at the University of Mississippi, despite the fact that he only attended the school for three semesters in 1919 and 1920. The culture of the region and the history of his family also presented transparently in his works. Faulkner was keenly aware of the old conflict between African Americans and Caucasian Americans; plus with the personal influence of having a Black female nanny, he was made more aware of the politics of sexuality in race.
Faulkner often used traditional themes in his writings, while skillfully portraying characters in their backward ways for a purpose. A common occurrence in his stories were the use of highly intelligent characters who hid behind the 'Good Old Boys' stereotype. Yet the rhythm of his words were untried at the time. While others were understating their stories, using a minimalist method of description, Faulkner did the opposite. He wrote in a rhythmic emotional style, with complex and realistic scenes taking shape in subtle ways.
Faulkner may have come from a family with money, but his adult life was speckled with periods of poverty. He would often take writing jobs wherever he could get them, including screen writing for Hollywood studios. Between 1920 and 1940, Faulkner penned at least 13 novels and innumerable short stories. It was during this period that he did some of his best work. The 1929 fiction novel, The Sound and the Fury is still considered one of the best. As are As I Lay Dying (1930) and Light in August (1932). Up until the presentation of his Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949, Faulkner was not well known. In American literary circles his name made the rounds, but the average scholar had not heard of William Faulkner, let alone the ordinary American. Nobel committee members recognized him for his "powerful and artistically unique contribution to the modern American novel."
Beginning in 1989, Dean Faulkner Wells (niece of William Faulkner) and her husband created the Faux Faulkner contest in which contestants are to parody the artistic style of writing conceived by her uncle. Faux Faulkner was met with huge success, as no other contest of its kind exists. Entries were to be 500 words or less, and make use of typical Faulkner humor, themes, and characters. More than 16 awards have been handed out since 1989.
The University of Mississippi has committed itself to the life and celebration of William Faulkner in many ways. Southern writing is studied in abundance of course, but the works of Faulkner are considered an important element of coursework. The university has even created a website entitled William Faulkner on the Web, and it is wholly dedicated to populating an evolving guide to his life and works. Exploration of the Faulkner style will always be open to new interpretations from coming generations, and with some fortune perhaps another writer of his caliber will emerge.
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