From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we take a look at well-known US Southern Gothic author, William Faulkner.
Faulkner was born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi and died on July 6, 1962, in Byhalia, Mississippi.
Known for his novels and short stories, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949.
As previously mentioned, Faulkner was part of the Southern Gothic movement, which was “a style of writing practiced by many writers of the American South whose stories set in that region are characterized by grotesque, macabre, or fantastic incidents.” For students interested in reading similar authors, the movement also included Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Carson McCullers.
What
Some of Faulkner’s notable works include As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, A Rose for Emily, and Absalom! Absalom!
Where
Many of Faulkner’s works are set throughout the US South, including the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, which was based on several locations in Mississippi.
When
These works are predominantly set in the 1930s and 40s.
Why
Faulkner’s works often deal with difficult themes. In particular, his works may be of interest to AU leaners who seek out literature concerned with socio-economic class, race, death, and family relationships, among others.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of William Faulkner are available in a variety of disciplines, including those that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 344: American Literature I, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “introduces students to American literature, its history and development, and its rich variety of forms and techniques.” (Please note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites.)
In addition, student may be interested in ENGL 345: American Literature II, another senior-level, three-credit course which “follows the introduction to American literature begun in ENGL 344 … [and] continues the exploration of the history and development of American literature and its rich variety of forms and techniques.” (Similarly, this course requires ENGL 211 and ENGL 212: as prerequisites.) Happy reading!
