This essay outlines US-American novelist William Faulkner's life and literature. On 10 December 1950, he received the Nobel Prize for Literature in the Stockholm Concert Hall. Disagreement in the committee of the Swedish Academy had led to a postponement of the Nobel Prize for Literature 1949. It was only one year later, simultaneously with the bestowal of the Nobel Prize for Literature 1950 to Bertrand Russell, that the famous writer was recognized with the most prestigious award available in the world of literature. King Gustaf Adolf of Sweden presented the prize to Faulkner for his powerful and artistically unique contributions to modern American fiction. At that time, the 52-year-old author had already composed a couple of sophisticated novels and dozens of elaborate short stories about the vicissitudes of life as experienced by the people—young and old, rich and poor, white and black—in Mississippi.
Table of Contents
- Modernist Mythographer from Mississippi
- Early Life and Education
- Family Background
- Early Years in Oxford
- Literary Career
- Early Novels
- Modernist Novels
- Financial Difficulties and Marital Conflicts
- Screenwriting and Later Novels
- Professional Success and Personal Recognition
Objectives and Key Themes
This text provides a detailed biography of William Faulkner, focusing on his life, career, and literary achievements. It explores his upbringing, education, and early influences, as well as his development as a writer and his significant contributions to American literature. It also examines the challenges and triumphs that shaped his life, including his personal struggles, financial difficulties, and the recognition he received for his work.
- Faulkner's family history and its impact on his writing
- The development of Faulkner's literary style and his contributions to modern American fiction
- The role of the American South and its social and racial issues in Faulkner's work
- Faulkner's relationship with his family, his struggles with alcohol, and his literary success
- The influence of the film industry on Faulkner's career
Chapter Summaries
The text begins by introducing William Faulkner as a renowned American novelist and tracing his early life, education, and family background. It highlights his family's lineage and its connection to the South, particularly the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction on their status and fortunes. Faulkner's early years in Oxford are described, including his schooling, early literary endeavors, and his decision to pursue a career as an author.
The text then delves into Faulkner's literary career, discussing the publication of his first books and the evolution of his writing style. It examines his early novels, including "Soldiers' Pay", "Mosquitoes", and "Sartoris", which showcased his growing skill as a writer. This section also focuses on his four modernist novels – "The Sound and the Fury", "As I Lay Dying", "Light in August", and "Absalom, Absalom!" – which are renowned for their complex narratives, symbolism, and exploration of Southern life.
The text also sheds light on the challenges Faulkner faced throughout his life, particularly his financial struggles and strained marriage. His work as a screenwriter for Hollywood studios and its impact on his artistic output are explored. The text concludes with a detailed account of his late novels, including "A Fable", "Intruder in the Dust", and "Requiem for a Nun", which dealt with themes of race, war, and social justice. It highlights his literary accolades, such as the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Pulitzer Prize, and the National Book Award, culminating in a poignant account of his final years and legacy.
Keywords
Key concepts and themes that emerge from the text include William Faulkner, American literature, Southern literature, modernism, Yoknapatawpha County, family history, social issues, race, war, and artistic innovation. Additionally, specific works by Faulkner, such as "The Sound and the Fury", "As I Lay Dying", "Light in August", and "Absalom, Absalom!", are prominent in the text, along with his later novels and screenwriting career.
- Quote paper
- Bernhard Wenzl (Author), 2019, Mississippi Learning. Life and Literature of William Faulkner, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/506208
