Thomas Merton on William Faulkner

Written by Thomas Merton

Narrated by Thomas Merton

William Faulkner was undoubtedly one of the greatest American writers. Now, you can take Thomas Merton as your personal guide in discovering the literary and spiritual genius of Faulkner’s works.

Awarded both the Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes, William Cuthbert Faulkner (1897–1962) was a multi-talented writer who wrote such beloved classics as The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying. In this series, you will join renowned mystic and writer Thomas Merton on an extraordinary course on Faulkner and classicism in literature. An English professor before becoming a monk, Merton continued to teach literature courses to the monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani. These lectures were originally recorded by Merton in the 1960s and are remastered to enhance your listening experience.

First, you will look at the concept of the classical in literature by exploring the poetry of John Milton and T.S. Eliot before looking specifically at Faulkner’s works. Merton demonstrates that Faulkner is a mythological rather than sociological writer; he uses the particular setting of the American South to tell stories of universal significance. His works embody the great classic truths of literature: love, honor, pride, compassion, and sacrifice.

Under Merton’s guidance, you will see how Faulkner was a sapiential, or visionary, writer. Merton will also guide you through the deeper spiritual undercurrent of Faulkner’s writings, which illustrate the biblical themes of redemption, the fall, and the resurrection.

Join Thomas Merton today with this brilliant course on Faulkner.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Learn25
• Release date: Nov 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781632515322

Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was born in France and came to live in the United States at the age of 24. He received several awards recognizing his contribution to religious study and contemplation, including the Pax Medal in 1963, and remained a devoted spiritualist and a tireless advocate for social justice until his death in 1968.

Reviews for Thomas Merton on William Faulkner

[Joseph Walker Sims · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This audio recording is one of the best introductions to a great sometimes difficult author, William Faulkner. Thomas Merton catches some of the deeper spiritual themes of the Bear and Old Man as well as their humor. Merton helps you enjoy the fun and deeper meaning of William Faulkner’s work.

[Juan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thomas Merton was conversational yet penetrating in his analysis of William Faulkner’s work. He points out persuasively that Faulkner is not just a regional writer. He is one of the greats of the world’s authors.