"[The writer] must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid: and, teaching himself that, forget it forever, leaving no room in his workshop for anything but the old verities and truths of the heart, the universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed--love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice" (William Faulkner, Nobel Prize Speech).

William Faulkner. Students often shudder when they hear his name...and run in the opposite direction when they see one of his novels. This is an understandable phenomenon. Faulkner is one of the most complicated writers in the fictional arena, and to say that some of his novels are confusing is an understatement. However, Faulkner can also be extremely worthwhile and enjoyable to read: once you get the hang of his style. I am hoping that this website will provide help and encouragement to those students who are encountering Faulkner for the first time...or the fiftieth time...and have yet to feel comfortable with his work. Don't be discouraged! Peruse some of the tips on understanding Faulkner. Glance at the other Faulkner web pages that are out there. Read a couple of undergrad papers and realize that it CAN be done! Then give Faulkner another chance. He is neither a literary demon nor an outdated ancient. Faulkner is a brilliant artist who wrote with ingenuity and passion about some of the most fundamental aspects of human existence, "the truths of the heart" that he mentions in his Nobel Prize Speech as quoted above. I hope that through the help of this page and Faulkner himself you will grow to be as appreciative of this fascinating Southern writer as I am.