Jeffrey Boyd
Per. 3
September 8, 1999
Faulkner
My first impressions of William Faulkner's Nobel Prize acceptance speech were that of length, then of admiration and amazement. The very first thing I noticed was that the speech was not that long. Consequently, I knew it would be would not be an easy read, and that more thought lies within. As I read, I admired his challenge and directness. Prior to this class, I didn't know much more about William Faulkner than his name. I didn't know he won a Nobel Prize for his work. I admired his thoughts and feelings because I think they're genuine and speak to us, fifty years later.
I was amazed that he thinks the same way I do. I loved his thoughts on the enduring nature of man and the writer's task of helping. I agree whole-heartedly.I would characterize the style of his speech as a personal narrative to the members of his great profession. He speaks, I feel, directly to the writer because he challenges them to change and fulfill the writer's duty. He talks about the person who will accept the Nobel Prize some day and refers to the writer as "he". He talks about his beliefs and his ideals. The way he sounds is not that of a "you must do this or else" or "it has to be this way". The sound is more appealing, inviting. It motivates you to become a greater writer and to write about courage, honor, hope, pride, compassion, pity, and sacrifice. It motivates you to help preserve the past and add to the immortality of man.
He begins his speech by briefly mentioning the honor of this prize, but quickly notes the prize is not for him, but for literature. He then tells about his world, that day in 1950. The bulk of his speech, I believe is a challenge to the rest of us, to become better, to take pride in our humanity and prevail as people.
I believe the major idea Faulkner is emphasizing in his speech is that we need to prevail as humanity and the only way is to write about the things of the heart. We must change the way we think and honor and respect the privilege of being a writer.
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