Question

Explain Faulkner’s idea behind mankind prevailing even in the darkest of times. Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Answer 1

This question is about Faulkner's speech when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Answer and Explanation:

Faulkner says that humanity will prevail in the dark times because the human voice is inexhaustible, which makes it immortal. This immortality and invincibility of the human being is directly related to writing because when writers and poets record their thoughts and the problems that humanity faces, they allow readers to prepare and be strong for the adversities of life. These readers also feel the urge to write about the same things, making this process repeat itself infinitely, giving strength to humanity to prosper.

A part of the speech that reinforces this thinking is:

"I refuse to accept this. I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet’s, the writer’s, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet’s voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail. "