Faulkner and Money

This collection of essays explores the economic contexts of William Faulkner's life and work, examining how money influenced his choice of subject matter and the details of his imagined worlds. The authors analyze the economies of debt and gift-giving in his novels, the legacies of commodity fetishism, capitalism's financial turn, poverty, and failure, the rewards of writing for Hollywood, and the author's role as a benefactor to an aspiring African American college student.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

The intricate relationship between a writer's life and the subject of money is explored in this comprehensive examination. From the practical considerations of earning a livelihood to the complex negotiations with agents, editors, publishers, and bookstores, the financial aspects permeate every aspect of a writer's journey. William Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha is a prime example of this, as the people and communities he portrayed were deeply entwined in personal, national, and even global networks of industry, commerce, and finance. Faulkner's economic biography, while often reflecting the tumultuous economic trends of the twentieth century, occasionally deviated from them.

In "Faulkner and Money," a distinguished group of scholars comes together to delve into the economic contexts of Faulkner's life and work. Through a meticulous analysis of his writings, they seek to unravel the intricate connections between money and Faulkner's art. The essays in this collection offer a rich tapestry of insights, exploring various aspects of economic life.

One notable theme is the examination of economies of debt and gift giving in Faulkner's works. For instance, in "Intruder in the Dust," the character of Quill McElroy is intricately tied to his economic struggles, as he grapples with the legacy of debt and the complexities of gift-giving within his community. The essay explores how these economic dynamics shape Quill's character and contribute to the broader social and economic context of the novel.

Another essay examines the legacies of commodity fetishism in Faulkner's novels, particularly in "Sanctuary" and "The Town." The authors analyze how Faulkner's portrayal of commodities such as cotton and land reflects the broader economic trends of the twentieth century, including the rise of capitalism and the commodification of human labor. They also explore how these commodities shape the characters and relationships within the novels.

The collection also delves into the financial turn of twentieth-century capitalism in Faulkner's "The Town." The essay examines how Faulkner's portrayal of the banking industry and the stock market reflects the economic realities of the time, including the Great Depression and the rise of corporate capitalism. The authors analyze how these economic forces shape the characters and their relationships, as well as the broader social and political context of the novel.

Furthermore, the collection explores the pegging of self-esteem to financial acumen in Faulkner's novel "The Sound and the Fury." The essay examines how the character of Jason Compson's pursuit of wealth and success shapes his self-image and relationships with others. The authors analyze how this economic mindset contributes to his moral decline and the tragic consequences of his actions.

The essays also address the representational challenges posed by poverty and failure in Faulkner's Frenchman's Bend tales. The authors analyze how Faulkner's portrayal of these characters and their struggles reflects the economic realities of the time, including the Great Depression and the social and economic inequalities that persisted in the South. They also explore how these narratives challenge traditional notions of success and failure and offer a nuanced understanding of the human experience.

The collection also examines the economics of regional readership and the Depression-era literary market. The essay explores how Faulkner's regionalism and his focus on the South influenced his literary career and his ability to connect with readers during the Depression. The authors analyze how the economic conditions of the time shaped the literary market and how Faulkner's work responded to these challenges.

In addition to these thematic explorations, the collection also offers insights into the aesthetic, monetary, and psychological rewards of writing. The essay examines how Faulkner's economic experiences and his understanding of the economic forces that shaped his life influenced his artistic vision and his ability to create powerful and meaningful works of literature. The authors analyze how Faulkner's economic struggles and his ability to navigate the complexities of the economic world contribute to his artistic brilliance and his enduring legacy.

Overall, "Faulkner and Money" is a groundbreaking collection that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the economic contexts of Faulkner's life and work. Through a rigorous analysis of his writings, the essays in this collection shed light on the intricate connections between money and Faulkner's art, challenging our preconceptions and offering new insights into the Nobel Laureate's enduring legacy.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496840899