Who was William Faulkner? William Faulkner was a renowned American writer known for his complex narratives and innovative writing style. Born in 1897 in Mississippi, he became a literary giant with works like "The Sound and the Fury" and "As I Lay Dying." Faulkner's stories often explored themes of the South, human struggle, and the passage of time. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, cementing his place in literary history. His influence extends beyond novels to short stories, screenplays, and essays. Faulkner's unique voice and storytelling continue to captivate readers worldwide.
Early Life and Family
William Faulkner, a literary giant, had a fascinating life filled with intriguing details. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts about his early years and family background.
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Birthplace: Born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi, Faulkner grew up in the Southern United States, which deeply influenced his writing.
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Family Legacy: His great-grandfather, William Clark Falkner, was a notable figure—a Confederate colonel, businessman, and author. This legacy of storytelling ran in the family.
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Name Change: Originally named Falkner, William added the "u" to his last name. The reason remains a mystery, though some speculate it was a typographical error he decided to keep.
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Brothers: Faulkner had three brothers—Murry, John, and Dean. Each played a role in his life, with John also becoming a writer.
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Education: Although he attended the University of Mississippi, Faulkner never graduated. He preferred to spend his time writing and reading.
Military Service
Faulkner's brief stint in the military had a significant impact on his life and work. Here are some key facts about this period.
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Rejected by U.S. Army: Faulkner was initially rejected by the U.S. Army during World War I due to his height. He was only 5'5".
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Royal Air Force: Determined to serve, he joined the Royal Air Force in Canada. However, the war ended before he saw any combat.
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Fake War Injury: Faulkner often exaggerated his military service, even faking a limp and wearing a pilot's uniform to impress others.
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Aviation Influence: His time in the RAF influenced his writing, particularly in his novel "Soldiers' Pay," which deals with the aftermath of war.
Literary Career
Faulkner's literary career is marked by groundbreaking works and numerous accolades. Here are some highlights.
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First Novel: His first novel, "Soldiers' Pay," was published in 1926. It received modest success but set the stage for his future works.
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Yoknapatawpha County: Faulkner created a fictional Mississippi county, Yoknapatawpha, which served as the setting for many of his novels.
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The Sound and the Fury: Published in 1929, this novel is considered one of his masterpieces. It employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique.
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As I Lay Dying: Written in six weeks, this 1930 novel is another of Faulkner's acclaimed works. It tells the story of the Bundren family's journey to bury their matriarch.
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Nobel Prize: In 1949, Faulkner won the Nobel Prize in Literature. His acceptance speech is famous for its emphasis on the writer's duty to explore the human spirit.
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Pulitzer Prizes: Faulkner won two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction—one for "A Fable" in 1955 and another for "The Reivers" in 1963.
Personal Life
Faulkner's personal life was as complex as his novels. Here are some intriguing facts about his relationships and habits.
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Marriage: Faulkner married Estelle Oldham in 1929. They had a tumultuous relationship but remained together until his death.
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Alcoholism: Faulkner struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. It affected his health and relationships but did not hinder his writing.
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Hollywood Screenwriter: To support his family, Faulkner worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood. He wrote scripts for movies like "To Have and Have Not."
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Love Affairs: Faulkner had several extramarital affairs, most notably with Meta Carpenter, a script supervisor he met in Hollywood.
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Pilot's License: Despite his fake war injury, Faulkner earned a pilot's license in the 1930s. He loved flying and often incorporated aviation into his stories.
Later Years and Death
Faulkner's later years were marked by continued literary success and personal challenges. Here are some key facts about this period.
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University of Virginia: In his later years, Faulkner served as a writer-in-residence at the University of Virginia. He enjoyed mentoring young writers.
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Health Issues: Years of heavy drinking took a toll on Faulkner's health. He suffered from various ailments, including heart problems.
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Horse Riding Accident: In 1962, Faulkner was injured in a horse riding accident. His health deteriorated rapidly after this incident.
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Death: Faulkner died on July 6, 1962, from a heart attack. He was buried in St. Peter's Cemetery in Oxford, Mississippi.
Legacy
Faulkner's influence on literature is immense. His innovative narrative techniques and deep exploration of the human condition continue to inspire writers and readers alike.
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Faulkner and Hemingway: Faulkner had a famous rivalry with Ernest Hemingway. Despite their differences, both respected each other's work.
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Influence on Writers: Faulkner's work influenced many writers, including Gabriel García Márquez, Toni Morrison, and Cormac McCarthy.
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Faulkner Conference: The University of Mississippi hosts an annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference, attracting scholars and fans from around the world.
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Adaptations: Several of Faulkner's works have been adapted into films, including "The Sound and the Fury" and "As I Lay Dying."
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Library of America: Faulkner's works are preserved in the Library of America, ensuring that future generations can access his literary contributions.
Fun Facts
Beyond his literary achievements, Faulkner's life was filled with quirky and interesting tidbits. Here are some fun facts.
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Pen Name: Faulkner sometimes used the pen name "A. Wilkins" for his early poetry.
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Postmaster: He once worked as a postmaster at the University of Mississippi. He was fired for reading on the job.
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Favorite Drink: Faulkner's favorite cocktail was a mint julep. He often enjoyed this Southern classic while writing.
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Love for Dogs: Faulkner loved dogs and often included them in his stories. His favorite dog was a black Labrador named "Spot."
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Gardening: Faulkner enjoyed gardening. He found it a relaxing escape from his writing.
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Handwriting: Faulkner wrote in a small, cramped handwriting. His manuscripts are notoriously difficult to read.
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Time Capsule: In 1951, Faulkner buried a time capsule containing manuscripts and personal items at Rowan Oak, his home in Oxford, Mississippi.
The Last Word on Faulkner
William Faulkner's life and work remain a treasure trove of fascinating facts. From his Nobel Prize win to his stint as a Hollywood screenwriter, Faulkner's legacy is rich and varied. His novels, filled with complex characters and intricate plots, continue to captivate readers worldwide. Faulkner's influence extends beyond literature, impacting film, television, and even music. His unique style and innovative narrative techniques have inspired countless writers. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, there's always something new to learn about this literary giant. So, next time you pick up one of his books, remember the man behind the words and the incredible life he led. Faulkner's story is a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring impact of great storytelling.
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