The Central Idea in William Faulkner's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
What central idea does William Faulkner develop in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech?
A. Faulkner believes that writers need to write with love, hope, courage, and compassion.
B. Writers must write about the fear of living in a time of the threat of nuclear war.
C. Faulkner states that writers of his time write only about lust and not about love or subjects of value.
D. Writers have forgotten that the only subjects worth writing about are problems of the heart in conflict with itself.
Answer:
William Faulkner, accepting the Nobel Prize, argued that literature holds a special duty to lift the human heart by reminding it of our capacity for "compassion and sacrifice and endurance." It is suffering that traditionally requires these powers, and literature may thus develop and sustain a resource needed in times of turmoil and conflict.
In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, William Faulkner emphasized the role of writers in society and the importance of their work. He believed that writers have a responsibility to address the deeper aspects of the human experience, such as love, hope, courage, and compassion.
Faulkner criticized the writers of his time for focusing too much on superficial topics like lust, rather than exploring the profound themes that truly matter. He argued that writing about the problems of the heart in conflict with itself is what gives literature its value and power.
Faulkner's central idea is that literature has the ability to elevate humanity and inspire compassion, sacrifice, and endurance. He believed that in times of adversity, such as the threat of nuclear war, literature serves as a crucial source of solace and strength for the human spirit.
Therefore, Faulkner's message resonates with the timeless truth that literature has the power to touch hearts, provoke thought, and promote empathy. Writers have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on society by delving into the complexities of the human condition and shedding light on the enduring themes that define our shared humanity.