Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Faulkner assembled a fascinating compilation of short stories. The majority of them revolve around a common theme related to the Chickasaw Indians. Among these, "A Rose for Emily" and "Red Leaves" stand out as the most unforgettable stories in the collection for me. Nevertheless, I have a greater inclination towards Faulkner's novels.


Despite the allure of these short stories, the depth and complexity that Faulkner manages to achieve in his novels are truly remarkable. His novels often explore profound themes such as the human condition, the impact of history and society, and the nature of good and evil.


I would highly recommend this book to readers who have a keen interest in delving deeper into Faulkner's works. It provides a wonderful introduction to his unique writing style and the rich tapestry of themes that he explores. Whether you are a fan of short stories or novels, this collection is sure to offer something of value.

July 14,2025
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I first fell in love with William Faulkner from his short stories. Oh, I have such an intense Faulkner crush! \\"A Rose for Emily,\\" how could anyone possibly go wrong reading that? It is, by far, the best short story I have ever read. I dedicated many weeks to analyzing Emily's disturbing behavior. I was simply amazed by the way that Faulkner sequenced events in \\"A Rose for Emily.\\" Then there's \\"Barn Burning,\\" another favorite short story of mine! His unique writing style and use of stream of consciousness made that story truly remarkable. I am completely fascinated by Yoknapatawpha County and love all the stories that are connected within it. He is brilliant for creating it and continuously building it throughout his writing career. If you are interested in reading some short stories, definitely give this selection by Faulkner a try. Alright, I am now finished with my Faulkner love rant!

July 14,2025
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Faulkner indeed has a highly distinct writing style that can pose challenges at times. His use of symbolism is often more elusive and demanding to recognize and interpret. While many hail him as a genius, I hold the view that he was a great writer who had a keen eye for observing his surroundings. However, it seems that some of the acclaim he has received might be unwarranted. After all, he was a drunkard who couldn't even hold down a job at a post office. One has to wonder if he could truly have mastered all the complex symbolism and literary trickery. I'm inclined to think otherwise. It's possible that some aspects of his stories are simply ordinary observations rather than intricate hidden messages.

For instance, when I read "Barn Burning" and "A Rose for Emily," I couldn't help but notice certain elements that didn't seem to have overly profound symbolic meanings. In "Barn Burning," the actions and behaviors of the characters could be seen as straightforward depictions of their personalities and the circumstances they were in. Similarly, in "A Rose for Emily," some of the details might just be there to create a certain atmosphere or to provide background information rather than being part of a deeply hidden symbolic web.

Of course, this doesn't mean that Faulkner's works are without merit. His ability to create vivid characters and engaging narratives is undeniable. But perhaps we should reevaluate some of the assumptions we make about his use of symbolism and not automatically assume that every little detail is loaded with profound meaning. Maybe sometimes, a rose is just a rose, and a burning barn is just a burning barn.

July 14,2025
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I have a great affinity for Faulkner's novels, but my love for his short stories knows no bounds. In my humble opinion, there is something truly special about his writing style that makes it an absolute perfect fit for shorter forms of storytelling. Among his vast collection of short stories, three of my all-time favorites stand out: Barn Burning, That Evening Sun, and A Rose for Emily. These works are nothing short of masterpieces. The vivid descriptions, complex characters, and profound themes are simply beautiful. They are the kind of stories that you can read and reread, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and depth. If you are someone who enjoys the quicker satisfaction that short stories can offer, then I highly recommend checking out these gems by Faulkner. You won't be disappointed.

I truly believe that Faulkner's short stories are a testament to his genius as a writer. They have the power to transport you to another world, to make you feel emotions you never thought possible, and to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. So, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and give these short stories a chance. You'll be glad you did.
July 14,2025
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One of my favorite writers is William Faulkner. His works are not only masterpieces of literature but also profound explorations of the human condition.

Take "Barn Burning" for example. In this story, Faulkner uses powerful symbolism to explore the complex actions of humanity. The barn burning itself can be seen as a symbol of destruction and chaos, representing the breakdown of social order and the unleashing of primal instincts.

Another of his great works is "Rose for Emily". This story is filled with passion and desperate romantic notions. It offers a fascinating look into the depths that people will go to for affection and companionship. Emily's tragic life and her unrequited love are both moving and thought-provoking.

Faulkner's writing is truly remarkable. His ability to create vivid characters and tell engaging stories is second to none. His works continue to be studied and admired by readers and scholars alike, and will no doubt remain classics of American literature for generations to come.
July 14,2025
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I am dumb and I don't understand. Faulkner's words don't make sense.

I am just a woman.

Maybe I don't have the intellectual capacity to fully grasp the complexity of his writings.

But that doesn't mean I don't have my own thoughts and feelings.

I have my own life experiences that shape who I am.

And even though I may not be able to understand Faulkner's words, I can still appreciate the beauty and power of language.

I can still use words to express myself and connect with others.

So, even though I may feel dumb at times, I know that I have value and worth.

I just need to keep learning and growing, and maybe one day, I will be able to understand Faulkner's words.
July 14,2025
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A great selection of short stories awaits you, but do bear in mind that I'm rapidly becoming a die-hard Faulkner fanatic. The high points of this collection truly stand out. There's "A Rose for Emily," a captivating tale that delves deep into the mysteries of a woman's life. "Barn Burning" is another gem, filled with tension and drama. "Race at Morning" offers a unique perspective, while "Two Soldiers" and "Mountain Victory" add to the rich tapestry of Faulkner's fictional world.

These short stories are, without a doubt, the perfect way to embark on your journey with Faulkner. So, don't hesitate to crack open this little book and step into the enchanting and mythical world of Yoknapatawpha County. Lose yourself in the vivid characters, the complex storylines, and the masterful prose that only Faulkner can deliver. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
July 14,2025
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He did not know the faces that surrounded him.

However, he knew the Face, the one that had haunted his days and filled his dreams for the past three weeks.

Every waking moment, his mind was drawn to that particular Face, as if it held some mysterious allure.

By night, when he closed his eyes, it would appear in his dreams, vivid and clear.

He couldn't explain the connection he felt, but it was undeniable.

The Face had become a constant presence in his life, a source of both confusion and fascination.

He wondered who the owner of that Face was and what their story might be.

Perhaps it was a sign, a message from the universe.

Or maybe it was just a figment of his imagination, a creation of his overactive mind.

Whatever the case, he couldn't seem to shake the hold that the Face had on him.

It continued to linger in his thoughts, day after day, week after week.
July 14,2025
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All incredibly fine, and a welcome companion to Faulkner's concurrent works of longer fiction.

Twenty five years before the tragic murder of Emmett Till, "Dry September," (1931) vividly describes the tortured group thinking that leads to a lynching.

I happened to read it the week of the Covington school boys' altercation and then discovered Rene Girard's theory of scapegoating.

The past, as Faulkner said, is not even past. It is some testimony to Faulkner's brilliance that he could tell that story, and all of these, so clearly, in the early 1930s.

The language and characters in "Dry September" are rich and familiar. Faulkner's use of words creates a vivid and immersive world, allowing the reader to step into the minds and emotions of the characters.

The story explores themes of racism, mob mentality, and the power of fear, which are still relevant today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and confronting our past in order to build a better future.

Overall, "Dry September" is a powerful and thought-provoking work that showcases Faulkner's mastery of the short story form.
July 14,2025
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Mysterious. It's my first Faulkner book, and I was initially a little frustrated as I couldn't catch his prose many times. Even the vocabulary seemed challenging.

Then I delved into some articles and guides on reading Faulkner. I discovered that this is a common issue even for native English speakers. So, not being a native speaker is most likely not the sole reason for my struggle.

I read that he was once asked about this. Some people said they couldn't understand his writing even after reading it two or three times. What did he suggest to them? Faulkner said, "Read it four times."

Maybe this not-so-perfect grade of four stars out of five is more a reflection of me, the reader, rather than of the book or the author.

I look forward to reading more of Faulkner in the future and eventually coming back to reread these stories. I hope that by then, I will rate it - or perhaps myself - higher.

MJO
July 14,2025
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I don't remember having read any Faulkner before.

Certainly, I've never read one of his books, but perhaps I might have read one or two of his short stories along the way. This particular experience was quite interesting.

It was interesting enough to actually make me want to give one of his novels a try. However, I didn't really take a liking to his depictions of middle-aged, unmarried women.

He seems to have what, in my opinion, is a very 19th Century view. According to this view, being unmarried (and presumably, a virgin) somehow makes a woman twisted and pathetic.

I wonder if Faulkner ever created a sympathetic, strong, and intelligent woman in any of his fiction.

If he has, maybe someone could be kind enough to point me in that direction.

I'm truly curious to know if there is such a character in his works that could change my perception of his portrayal of women.

It would be fascinating to discover a female character who defies the stereotype he seems to have imposed on unmarried women in this particular instance.

Perhaps there is a hidden gem within his literary oeuvre that I have yet to uncover.

July 14,2025
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Maybe it's me.

The first several stories were so blatantly racist that they were extremely hard to endure - like a time capsule from a different and deeply disturbing era.

After that, the stories just seemed lacking in focus. Although I don't question that there might have been some value within them, I simply didn't have the inclination to pursue the various threads and uncover it.

I managed to get about halfway through before finally giving up.

I vividly remember thoroughly enjoying Faulkner novels during my graduate school days.

I can't help but wonder if the difference lies in the nature of the material or perhaps within me.

Is it that my tastes have changed over time, or is it that the works themselves are so distinct that they appeal to different aspects of my literary sensibilities?

It's a thought-provoking question that I'll likely continue to ponder as I explore other works of literature.

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