THE GENRE EVOLUTION OF WILLIAM FAULKNER'S NOVELS: ARTISTIC EXPLORATIONS BETWEEN MODERNISM AND POSTMODERNISM
Abstract
This article delves into the genre evolution of William Faulkner’s novels, positioning his literary contributions at the critical juncture between modernism and postmodernism. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how Faulkner’s stylistic and thematic innovations mark a transitional phase in twentieth-century American fiction. By closely examining seminal works such as The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, Absalom, Absalom! and The Wild Palms, the study investigates Faulkner’s experimentation with narrative form, including his use of stream of consciousness, fragmented chronology, multiple narrative voices, and metafictional layering. The article argues that while Faulkner’s early writings are emblematic of modernist aesthetics—with their focus on psychological depth, interior monologues, and epistemological exploration—his later texts also anticipate postmodern themes, such as narrative unreliability, intertextuality, and ontological uncertainty. The discussion situates Faulkner's work within a broader historical and philosophical context, drawing on critical frameworks such as narratology, genre theory, and poststructuralist critique. Through a comparative literary approach, the study demonstrates that Faulkner's novels not only reflect the tensions and transitions between literary epochs but also contribute to redefining the boundaries of narrative fiction. The findings underscore Faulkner's pivotal role in challenging genre conventions and shaping the trajectory of American literature. Ultimately, the paper offers new insights into Faulkner’s artistic legacy and affirms his position as a key figure in the literary continuum that bridges the modernist and postmodernist traditions.
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