Joseph Volpe’s dedication to William Faulkner’s works is evident in his critical journey, spanning from A Reader’s Guide to William Faulkner (1964) to A Reader’s Guide to William Faulkner: The Short Stories (2004). This decades-long commitment highlights both his scholarly devotion and his contribution to Faulkner studies. Volpe’s initial guide emerged alongside critical landmarks like Cleanth Brooks’ William Faulkner: The Yoknapatawpha Country (1963) and Michael Millgate’s The Achievement of William Faulkner (1966), all of which enriched the understanding and appreciation of Faulkner’s complex literary landscape. Despite the shifts in literary theory over the years, Volpe’s core belief in the significance of morality in Faulkner’s exploration of humanity remains consistent.
Volpe acknowledges the influence of previous scholarship on Faulkner’s short stories and biographies, recognizing the evolving nature of literary theory. However, he asserts that his later work uniquely provides critical analyses of both published and unpublished stories. He emphasizes Faulkner’s reliance on personal experiences to shape his fiction, suggesting that understanding Faulkner’s “spiritually and psychologically troubled life” can unlock the puzzles within his narratives and reveal the overarching patterns in his work. This approach aligns with Faulkner’s own declaration of the writer’s responsibility to address universal human conflicts with integrity, whether those conflicts are internal, interpersonal, or environmental.
Volpe firmly believes that evolving critical theories do not invalidate earlier interpretations, which stems from his own meticulous and comprehensive reading of Faulkner’s texts. He describes his critical approach as “an eclectic offshoot of the New Criticism,” readily incorporating psychological, historical, and cultural elements when relevant. He prioritizes the reader’s experience of the text, emphasizing the impact of narrative structure, techniques, themes, tone, and language. He also utilizes available manuscripts and typescripts to trace the development and refinement of the stories.
Volpe emphasizes the interconnectedness between Faulkner’s short stories and novels, highlighting recurring characters such as Quentin Compson, Jason Compson, Gavin Stevens, Popeye, Gail Hightower, and Flem Snopes. His analysis encompasses 71 stories, grouped chronologically into three periods: 1919-1926 (15 stories), 1927-1931 (31 stories), and 1932-1954 (25 stories). This chronological structure, combined with Volpe’s close readings and contextual support, provides persuasive interpretations of each story. Readers gain valuable insights into Faulkner’s short fiction and a broader understanding of his literary universe.
However, Volpe’s selection prompts curiosity about the omitted pieces, such as those published in New Orleans (“Landing in Luck,” “The Hill,” “Nympholepsy,” “And Now What To Do,” “Sepulture South: Gaslight”) and unpublished works like “The Letter.” Furthermore, questions arise about the stories reshaped and integrated into The Unvanquished, Go Down, Moses, and the Snopes Trilogy. While Volpe addresses these omissions, further examination of the relationship between the short stories and these novels would deepen the understanding of Faulkner’s literary world. Lastly, the simplified keywords in the “Index” may hinder readers seeking specific references.
In conclusion, Volpe’s A Reader’s Guide to William Faulkner: The Short Stories offers a valuable contribution to Faulkner scholarship. His meticulous analysis, informed by a deep understanding of Faulkner’s life and work, provides readers with a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the short stories. While some omissions and limitations exist, the book serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of Faulkner’s fictional world and delve into the themes and characters that define his literary legacy.
