William Faulkner remains a towering figure in American literature, a novelist and short‑story writer whose innovative techniques and profound exploration of the human condition continue to captivate readers and inspire writers today. Understanding his life, the influences that shaped his work, and the hallmarks of his unique style unlocks a deeper appreciation for his enduring legacy. This guide delves into the world of William Faulkner, examining his biography, key themes, distinctive writing style, and most celebrated works.
William Faulkner: A Life Rooted in the South
Early Life and Family Influence
Born in 1897 in New Albany, Mississippi, William Faulkner’s life was inextricably linked to the American South. His family history, steeped in Southern aristocracy and the echoes of the Civil War, profoundly influenced his writing. His father, a lawyer and Civil War veteran, instilled in him a sense of Southern pride mixed with a realistic understanding of its complexities. His great‑grandfather, a successful lawyer, planter, and colonel in the Confederate Army, became the model for the Sartoris family in The Sound and the Fury. This lineage provided a rich tapestry of stories, values, and societal observations that would become central to his fiction. The stories of loss, honor, and the changing social order were constantly present, fueling his imagination and shaping his narrative focus.
Experiences and Their Impact
Faulkner did not excel in traditional schooling. He briefly attended the University of Mississippi but left to serve in the Canadian Royal Flying Corps during World War I, though the war ended before he saw combat. He then drifted through various jobs, including a stint as a Hollywood screenwriter, before returning to his family home, Rowan Oak, in Oxford, Mississippi. This period of wandering and experiencing different facets of life broadened his perspective. His experiences in Hollywood, while financially beneficial, also fueled his disdain for commercialism and reinforced his dedication to artistic integrity. More importantly, returning to Mississippi allowed him to fully immerse himself in the world he knew best, observing the social, economic, and psychological landscape of the South with a keen and critical eye.
Decoding Faulkner’s Writing Style
Stream of Consciousness and Narrative Technique
Faulkner is renowned for his experimental narrative techniques, most notably his masterful use of stream of consciousness. This technique attempts to depict the flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions within a character’s mind, often without traditional punctuation or clear chronological order. The Sound and the Fury is a prime example, told through the perspectives of the Compson family, particularly the mentally disabled Benjy. Its fragmented structure and shifting perspectives initially challenge the reader but ultimately provide an incredibly intimate and nuanced understanding of the characters’ inner lives. The novel doesn’t simply tell you what the characters are thinking; it immerses you in the experience of their thoughts.
Complex Sentence Structure and Language
Faulkner’s writing is characterized by long, convoluted sentences, rich with descriptive detail and multiple clauses. While this style can be demanding, it reflects the complexity of the characters and the intricate web of relationships within his fictional world. He often employs a poetic and lyrical prose style, even when depicting harsh realities. Consider a passage from As I Lay Dying, where the simple act of transporting a body is described with a density of imagery and psychological insight. The density is not gratuitous; it mirrors the emotional weight of the situation and the internal struggles of the characters involved.
Myth and Symbolism
Faulkner frequently employs myth and symbolism in his work, drawing on both classical mythology and Southern folklore. Yoknapatawpha County, the fictional setting for many of his novels, functions as a microcosm of the American South, a place steeped in history, tradition, and societal tensions. Characters often embody archetypes or represent broader themes. For example, Joe Christmas in Light in August can be interpreted as a Christ figure, exploring themes of identity, race, and redemption. The recurring motif of the wilderness in his works often symbolizes the untamed aspects of human nature and the challenges of civilization.
Exploring Key Themes in Faulkner’s Work
The Burden of History
The weight of the past is a dominant theme in Faulkner’s writing. The legacy of slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction casts a long shadow over his characters and their lives. He explores how the past continues to shape the present, influencing relationships, perpetuating injustice, and creating cycles of violence. In Absalom, Absalom!, the story of Thomas Sutpen and his doomed attempt to establish a dynasty is a powerful allegory for the failures of the Old South and the destructive consequences of ambition and pride.
Race and Social Justice
Faulkner unflinchingly confronts the issue of race in the American South, exposing the deep‑seated racism, prejudice, and inequality that permeated society. While his portrayals are often complex and controversial, he consistently challenges readers to confront the moral implications of racial injustice. Characters like Dilsey in The Sound and the Fury represent the strength, resilience, and moral integrity of African Americans in the face of oppression. Intruder in the Dust directly addresses a wrongful accusation of a black man, forcing the town and the reader to examine their own biases.
The Human Condition and Moral Responsibility
Faulkner’s novels delve into the fundamental questions of human existence, exploring themes of love, loss, guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning. He often presents characters who are flawed, complex, and morally ambiguous, forcing readers to grapple with the complexities of human nature. His work asks challenging questions about individual responsibility, the consequences of our actions, and the struggle to maintain integrity in a world marked by suffering and injustice.
Faulkner’s Most Famous Works
The Sound and the Fury (1929)
Considered by many to be his masterpiece, this novel is a groundbreaking exploration of the Compson family’s decline, told through the fragmented perspectives of its members. Its innovative narrative structure and psychological depth make it a challenging but rewarding read.
As I Lay Dying (1930)
This novel recounts the arduous journey of the Bundren family as they transport the body of their mother, Addie, to her hometown for burial. The story is told through the voices of multiple characters, revealing their individual motivations, struggles, and perspectives.
Absalom, Absalom! (1936)
A complex and ambitious novel that tells the story of Thomas Sutpen and his attempt to build a dynasty in the South. It is a powerful exploration of ambition, race, and the legacy of the past.
Light in August (1932)
This novel explores themes of race, identity, and the search for belonging, through the stories of Joe Christmas, a man of mixed racial heritage, and Gail Hightower, a former preacher haunted by his past.
William Faulkner’s contribution to literature is immeasurable. His innovative style, profound themes, and unforgettable characters continue to resonate with readers and inspire writers. By grappling with the complexities of the human condition and confronting the challenges of the past, he created a body of work that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. His influence on subsequent generations of writers is undeniable, cementing his place as one of the most important American novelists of the 20th century.