William Faulkner | Biography
William Faulkner was a Southern writer known for his influential novels, poetic mastery, and critical insight into social issues of the South.
Who is William Faulkner?
William Faulkner, born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi, is a seminal figure in American literature, celebrated for his profound narratives that encapsulate the complexities of life in the South. Much of his early writing was poetry; however, he gained fame for his novels, notably set in his fictional Yoknapatawpha County. Notable works include "The Sound and the Fury," "As I Lay Dying," and "Absalom, Absalom!" Faulkner's storytelling often confronted harsh social issues such as race, class, and violence, earning him critical acclaim and a wide readership. His controversial 1931 novel, "Sanctuary," became a turning point in his career, reinforcing his status as a formidable literary voice and resulting in adaptations for the big screen.
Faulkner's family legacy deeply influenced his writing. He was named after his great-grandfather William Clark Falkner, a multi-faceted figure himself. His childhood was shaped by a close-knit family that valued education and the arts, particularly through the influences of the women in his life, including his mother and grandmother. Faulkner's early fascination with reading and writing poetry laid the groundwork for his later success. He also had personal experiences that shaped his understanding of human nature and Southern culture, including his childhood interactions and tumultuous relationships, which often found their way into his literary works. Through these influences, Faulkner developed a literary style that blended complex characters with a deep emotional resonance, reaffirming his place in the canon of American literature.
Early Life and Education
William Cuthbert Falkner, known as William Faulkner, was born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi. The grandson of author William Clark Falkner, his family had a deep-rooted legacy in the South, steeped in diverse professions including politics and law. Maud Butler Faulkner, his mother, and Lelia Butler, his grandmother, nurtured his artistic inclinations, particularly in reading and the arts. His family structure included Caroline Barr, a Black woman referred to as his "mammy," who played a prominent role in shaping his understanding of race and morality in the South.
Faulkner's early education was marked by brilliance but also by disinterest; he dropped out of high school due to boredom with traditional schooling. His intellectual pursuits included drawing and writing poetry, with influences from Scottish and English romantic poets. By his early teenage years, Faulkner had already begun to explore writing seriously. After a period of carpentry work and clerical jobs, he found a mentor in Phil Stone, whose support led Faulkner to move to New Haven, Connecticut. It was here that he began to focus on writing prose, influenced by both Southern culture and his family's rich history.
Notable Career Start: The Emergence of a Southern Writer
William Faulkner's emergence as a prominent Southern writer began with his early interest in poetry, significantly influenced by the literary traditions of the Scottish and English romantics. This passion for writing took root in New Albany, Mississippi, where Faulkner was born in 1897. After brief stints in various jobs, including carpentry and as a clerk, he began to embrace his literary ambitions fully. His first collection of poetry, *The Marble Faun*, was published in 1924, marking the beginning of his journey as a serious writer. Faulkner's reputation would further solidify with his initial novel, *Soldiers' Pay*, published two years later.
In the late 1920s, Faulkner's works began to reflect the complexity of his Southern heritage and the intricate tapestry of life in Mississippi. The creation of his fictional Yoknapatawpha County provided a rich backdrop for exploring themes of race, class, and family. The publication of *The Sound and the Fury* in 1929, followed by *As I Lay Dying* in 1930, showcased his innovative narrative techniques and deep psychological insights. His ability to capture the rhythms of Southern speech and the darker aspects of its history distinguished him as one of the leading literary figures of his time, laying the groundwork for his later accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Career Success and Achievements: Pulitzer Prizes and the Nobel Prize
William Faulkner's career was marked by significant success and numerous accolades, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century. His groundbreaking works, set primarily in the deeply layered landscapes of the American South, often delved into themes of race, identity, and the human experience. Faulkner's innovative narrative techniques and rich character development garnered him widespread recognition, enabling him to become one of the most discussed and analyzed American authors. The literary community quickly recognized his contributions, leading to the acclaim and awards that defined much of his career.
In 1949, Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, a monumental achievement that underscored his impact on American letters. The Nobel Committee lauded his ability to craft complex narratives that explored the intricacies of Southern culture and morality. This recognition led to a resurgence of interest in his work, ultimately resulting in several prestigious accolades, including two Pulitzer Prizes. He received his first Pulitzer in 1955 for "A Fable," which was celebrated for its bold exploration of war's moral ambiguities, followed by a second posthumous award in 1963 for "The Reivers." Faulkner's works continue to resonate, solidifying his legacy as one of the defining voices of American literature.
Later Years and Writing Contributions
William Faulkner’s later years marked a period of immense literary achievement and recognition. After struggling for many years to establish himself as a significant voice in American literature, his work gained renewed attention following the publication of "The Portable Faulkner" in 1946. This collection played a critical role in reigniting interest in his writing, which ultimately led to the publication of "Intruder in the Dust" in 1948. This novel addressed themes of racial injustice and social realities in the South, solidifying Faulkner's commitment to exploring complex social issues through his unique narrative styles, including stream of consciousness and intricate character development.
In 1949, Faulkner received the Nobel Prize in Literature, a prestigious accolade that recognized him as one of the most influential writers of his time. His subsequent works, including "Collected Stories" and "A Fable," further showcased his ability to capture the intricacies of human experience in the context of the American South. Additionally, his novel "The Reivers," published in 1962, posthumously garnered a second Pulitzer Prize in 1963, solidifying his legacy as a critical figure in American literature. Faulkner's contributions during this period not only articulated the beauty of Southern life but also revealed its underlying complexities, ensuring his place in literary history.
Personal Life: Married Life, Wife, and Children
William Faulkner’s personal life was marked by both love and tragedy. He married his first love, Estelle Oldham, in 1931 after she divorced her previous husband, Cornell Franklin. Estelle, who held a vibrant personality that initially captivated Faulkner in their youth, became a significant influence in his life and work after their marriage. Their bond deepened over the years, yet faced considerable strain due to Faulkner's emotional complexities and emerging fame. Despite the turbulence, Estelle remained a central figure in his life until his passing, playing a crucial role in supporting his literary endeavors.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Alabama, shortly after their marriage. Tragically, Alabama was born prematurely and lived only a week. This devastating loss profoundly affected Faulkner, impacting both his personal life and writing. The grief from this experience manifested in his work, as seen in his collection of short stories, *These 13*, which he dedicated to Estelle and Alabama. Later, they had another daughter, Jill, who was their only surviving child. As a family, they navigated their shared triumphs and sorrows, leaving an indelible mark on Faulkner's literary journey.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Financial Success
William Faulkner, a seminal figure in American literature, attained significant financial success during his writing career. Although exact figures regarding his net worth at the time of his passing in 1962 are difficult to ascertain, it is evident that his earnings reflected his status as a celebrated author. His novels, such as "The Sound and the Fury" and "As I Lay Dying," garnered considerable acclaim and saw an increase in book sales, especially after receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949. The awards and recognition he received undoubtedly enhanced his financial standing, enabling him to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Beyond book sales, Faulkner's financial success was bolstered by his ventures into screenwriting, where he penned scripts for several films in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Selling film rights for his controversial work "Sanctuary" contributed significantly to his income. In addition, various adaptations of his literary works have continued to generate revenue long after his death. Thanks to his prolific writing and the lasting impact of his stories, Faulkner carved a niche for himself, balancing a passion for literature with commercial success. His legacy endures, both in the literary world and the financial realm, through numerous adaptations and critical acclaim.
