Faulkner Blog Post #1

William Faulkner is praised as one of the greatest writers of all time. He showed his genius from a young age, as he skipped both kindergarten and the second grade. He became bored with his studies by the time he got to high school, and he never graduated from high school, and though he did go to college, he never got a college degree. Still, he was influenced by many people and experiences in his life that led to his amazing works of literature. One major influence is where he grew up in Oxford, Mississippi. His family moved there when he was young at he urging of Faulkner's grandfather, the son of a Civil War colonel, railroad financier, and best-selling writer. Growing up in the deep south in the poorest state during this time period was very influential and shaped how he viewed race and other white southerners. Additionally, he lived through the Great Depression and managed to survive writing books. Another major influence was Estelle Oldham, his childhood sweetheart. She dated other boys despite their love affair, and she ended up marring a richer, more well-off man. This crushed Faulkner and was influential in his writing. Later, Estelle divorced her husband and went back to Faulkner. Another influence was his relationship with Phil Stone, who served as a literary mentor and role model for Faulkner. Their relationship flourished because of their mutual love of poetry, and he recognized the Faulkner' ability at a young age, and he continued to encourage him and give advice. He later helped Faulkner get jobs at various places. All of these people, as well as the experiences he has with them and other experiences, help shape Faulkner's writing.