The First Real Faulkner Encounter

I still remember the first time I truly encountered the works of Faulkner. It was a moment that left a profound impact on me. Although I despised his use of slurs, which I found offensive and inappropriate, I couldn't help but be in awe of his remarkable writing style.

Faulkner's prose was like a complex and beautiful tapestry, woven with intricate details and rich language. His ability to create vivid characters and immersive worlds was truly masterful. Each sentence seemed to carry a weight and a depth that demanded my full attention.

Despite my discomfort with his use of certain words, I couldn't deny the power and beauty of his writing. It made me question my own prejudices and forced me to look beyond the surface and appreciate the artistry that lay within. The first real encounter with Faulkner was a transformative experience, one that taught me the importance of separating the artist from the art and finding value in even the most challenging of works.

This collection is front-loaded with the best stories.

The harshest and most radical one is “Barn Burning,” which is then followed by the sweetest and most conventional “Two Soldiers.”

These two, along with the other three of the first five, namely “A Rose for Emily,” “Dry September,” and “That Evening Sun,” are my absolute favorites.

Of the remaining stories, they cover, in no particular order, the various aspects of what Faulkner does, both the good and the bad.

I have a penchant for the adventure, the people with conflicting purposes, and the pungent descriptions, especially in “Turnabout,” “Mountain Victory,” and “Race at Morning.”

However, I do not like the way he has characters express their consciousness in convoluted manners.

Nor do I appreciate the occasional cutesy or corny streak.

Also, I'm not a fan of how he portrays Native Americans as being overly obsessed with clothes or shoes.

My least favorite stories are “Honour,” which reads like a parody of Hemingway or Chandler, and “Beyond,” which seems like a treatment for a Frank Capra film.

Overall, while Faulkner has his strengths, there are also aspects of his writing that I find less appealing.

I have a deep affection for his stories that revolve around the theme of death. There is something truly captivating about the way he weaves these tales. It's as if he has the ability to explore the mysteries and emotions associated with death in a way that few others can. Each story seems to offer a unique perspective, making me think deeply about life and its inevitable end. Whether it's a tragic account or a more thought-provoking narrative, his stories about death always manage to touch my heart and leave a lasting impression. I find myself drawn to them again and again, eager to uncover the hidden meanings and lessons within.

I have always loved Faulkner.

His works are like a magical world that constantly attracts me. The way he constructs his stories, with complex characters and intricate plots, is truly remarkable.

Faulkner's writing style is unique. He uses rich and vivid language to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. His descriptions are so detailed that you can almost feel as if you are right there in the story, experiencing everything along with the characters.

Moreover, his exploration of human nature and the human condition is profound. He delves deep into the psyche of his characters, revealing their hopes, fears, desires, and flaws. Through his works, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

In conclusion, Faulkner is a literary giant whose works will continue to inspire and influence generations of readers. I will always cherish his books and look forward to exploring more of his literary treasures.

Finished reading Selected Short Stories of William Faulkner this evening.

I started this book last fall and have been reading one or two stories between other books ever since. I was determined to mark it as read this year!

As with any compilation of short stories, I had my preferences. Two stories, “Barn Burning” and “A Rose for Emily” (one of my all-time favorite short stories), I had read years ago in school, and I still enjoy them.

“Turnabout,” set during WWI, is one of the best in this collection. It has a couple of funny scenes that added to its charm. I also liked “Beyond” and “Race at Morning.” The latter has a hilarious scene involving a grapevine that had me laughing out loud.

Overall, reading this collection of Faulkner's short stories has been a great experience. It has allowed me to explore different themes and characters, and has reminded me of the power of good storytelling. I look forward to reading more of Faulkner's works in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed "TURNABOUT". The story is set along the English Channel during World War II, which provides a fascinating backdrop.

The details of the war-torn landscape and the people's experiences add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

"Race at Morning" was also most enjoyable and entertaining. It had a different tone and style compared to "TURNABOUT", but it was equally engaging.

The characters in "Race at Morning" were well-developed, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, both stories were excellent reads that I would highly recommend to others.

They offered a unique perspective on different aspects of life during a tumultuous time in history.

Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or just looking for an interesting and engaging read, these stories are sure to satisfy.

I can't wait to explore more of the author's works and see what other精彩的 tales they have to offer.

Malcolm Cowley, a well-known American critic and one of the most authorized researchers of the writer's work, believes that William Faulkner "is not essentially a novelist... Part of his novels combines two or more themes that have very little connection with each other... and the others tend to divide into a series of episodes that resemble pearls in a string... Faulkner, the critic continues, is unrivaled and to the greatest extent himself, whether in the longer stories... or in the entire Yoknapatawpha County saga."

Although Cowley's opinions seem to me to be far too categorical, they do draw attention to a characteristic aspect of Faulkner's work - the frequency and excellence of the storytelling that lies between the novella and the novel, both in terms of dimensions and vision. Faulkner wrote and published novellas and stories both at the beginning of his literary career and during the period of the appearance of his major novels. In fact, a number of works titled novels, such as The Unvanquished, Go Down, Moses, or The Wild Palms, are actually suites of longer or shorter stories, related or not to each other. And yet, to maintain that Faulkner is not essentially a novelist seems to me to unilaterally consider the not always visible relationships, it is true, between the story and the novel within the writer's work.

It is important to note that Faulkner's unique style and approach to storytelling cannot be simply pigeonholed into one category. His works often blur the boundaries between different literary forms, creating a rich and complex body of work that defies easy classification.

While Cowley's view may have some merit, it is also important to consider the broader context of Faulkner's work and the various ways in which he experimented with different narrative techniques and forms.

In conclusion, while Cowley's assessment of Faulkner as not essentially a novelist may be a matter of debate, it does highlight the need to further explore and understand the unique characteristics of Faulkner's work and the ways in which it challenges traditional literary definitions and classifications.

What to say, then it's Faulkner.

I have read some of these short stories before, but it's truly beneficial to reread them.

He vividly depicted life and all the moral issues that were suppressed during the 19th century.

His novels, however, are a bit challenging to understand. They are filled with broken English, an abundance of symbols, and numerous "read between the lines" sentences.

Yet, if one remains focused, it is indeed possible to fathom the message within each story.

As J. Steinbeck once wrote about Faulkner - "more than most men, Faulkner was aware of human strength as well as human weaknesses. He knew that the understanding and the resolution of fear are a large part of the writer's reason for being".

Also, Eudora Welty had this to say about Faulkner: "If you want to know all you can about that heart and soul, the fiction where he put it is still right here."

Faulkner's works are a treasure trove of profound insights and complex emotions, waiting to be discovered and explored by readers.

**"Ad Astra by William Faulkner: A World of Literary Riches"**

William Faulkner's works are truly a thing of beauty and fascination. He holds an impressive record with several of his books on the lists of best works. The Sound and The Fury, Light in August, and As I Lay Dying grace the Modern Library Top 100 list, while Absalom, Absalom! is on The List of Best Ever Books at the Guardian site.

Reading Faulkner's work is not an easy ride, at least for some. It can be a wild and unpredictable journey, like a Montagne russe. The words, sentences, and the messages they seem to carry can take the reader away, but one is never quite sure if they've truly grasped the "ultimate meaning."
What's more, with the passing of time, many great works by Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Austen, and others have entered the "Public Domain." This means that we can legally download or read online a significant number of these masterpieces. In fact, if we consider only The Best 100 Books Ever, we have free access to more than half of them.
Think about it! We have the opportunity to explore the works of Homer, Gilgamesh, Shakespeare, Tolstoy, and countless others, all without the barrier of copyright. It's a literary treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
So, whether you're a die-hard Faulkner fan or simply someone who loves great literature, take advantage of this amazing opportunity and embark on a journey through the works of these literary giants.

You never know what new insights and experiences await you.

And remember, these are just the writer's subjective notes, but they might help you make sense of Faulkner and the wonderful world of literature.

Happy reading!

I've only read "A Rose For Emily" from this collection.

It was indeed a rather peculiar and slightly creepy story. The atmosphere that the author creates is both mysterious and foreboding.

The character of Emily Grierson is complex and fascinating. Her reclusive nature and the secrets she holds add to the overall sense of unease.

Despite its creepiness, it was a good read. The story keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, with its unexpected twists and turns.

The author's use of language and descriptive details brings the setting and characters to life.

It makes you think about themes such as isolation, decay, and the passage of time.

Overall, "A Rose For Emily" is a memorable and thought-provoking piece of literature.

So sad, yet amazingly written. It is truly a captivating piece. I have a profound love for short stories, and Faulkner's descriptions of life in the South are simply outstanding. It is quite interesting to make a contrast while reading "The Help". Although they share a similar subject matter, Faulkner manages to convey so much more with just a few words. His writing style is so concise and powerful that it leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Each word seems to be carefully chosen to paint a vivid picture of the Southern life and the complex emotions of the characters. It is a masterclass in storytelling, and I can't help but be in awe of his talent.

\\"A Rose for Emily\\" is my absolute favorite within the entire book. I have not yet had the opportunity to read the whole book from cover to cover. However, based on what I have read so far, this story is truly awesome. The way the author weaves the tale, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation, is simply captivating. The character of Emily is complex and intriguing, and her actions and decisions keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The story's setting, too, adds to its charm, with its description of a small southern town and its traditions. I can't wait to continue reading the rest of the book to see how the story unfolds and what other wonderful tales it has to offer.