William Faulkner Essays - William Faulkner, Sartoris, Free Essays

William Faulkner Essays - William Faulkner, Sartoris, Free Essays William Faulkner William Faulkner: His Life and Achievements William Faulkner is viewed by many as Americas greatest writer of prose fiction. He was born in New Albany, Mississippi where he lived a life filled with good times and bad times. However, despite bad times he would become known as a poet, a short story writer, and finally one of the greatest contemporary novelist of his time. William Faulkners accomplishments resulted not only from his love and devotion of writing, but also from family, friends, and certain uncontrollable events. William Faulkners life is an astonishing accomplishment; however, it is crucial to explore his life prior to his fixated writing career. In 1905, Faulkner entered the first grade at a tender age of eight, and immediately showed signs of talent. He not only drew an explicitly detailed drawing of a locomotive, but he soon became an honour-roll student: His report card would show no grades below Perfect or Excellent (Blotner 21). Throughout his early education he wou ld work conscientiously at reading, spelling, writing, and arithmetic; however, he especially enjoyed drawing. His deportment at school was very high, but it was not as high as it was at home. When Faulkner got promoted to third grade, skipping the second grade, he was asked by his teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up, and he replied, I want to be a writer just like my great granddaddy (Blotner 23). At last, (in 1914) Faulkner took interest in poetry, but no one in Oxford could tell him what to do with his poems. Meanwhile, Faulkner, who is very talkative, would always entertain Katrina Carter and Estelle Oldham by telling them vividly imagined stories. Eventually, Faulkner grew very fond of Estelle in fact, if he heard her voice he would deliberately attempt to be spotted by Katrina in hopes that she asks him to join her. Estelle soon became the sole inspirer and recipient of Faulkners earlier poems. Coincidentally, a gentleman named Phil Stone would fall in love with Estel les friend, Katrina. As a result, Katrina had told Stone about Faulkner and his poetry. So one afternoon, Stone walked to Faulkners home to get acquainted, and during his visit he received several written verses from Faulkner poetry collections: Anybody could have seen that he (Faulkner) had talentit was perfectly obvious (Blotner 44). Stone not only became Faulkners close friend, but also a mentor to the young writer at the beginning of his career. Stone immediately gave the potential poet encouragement, advice, and models for his study of literature. For example, Stone would give practice drills in punctuation, as well as lecture Faulkner on goals and grammars. Meanwhile, Faulkners main interest in school became athletics such as football and baseball, thus his grades started to deteriorate: Bill showed absolutely no interest in the education being offeredHe gazed out the windows, and answered the simplest questions with I dont know (Blotner 39). Eventually, he would quit both ath letics and school altogether. In 1919, his first literary work was acknowledged and published in The New Republic. The poem is a forty-line verse with a French title that acknowledges the influence of the French Symbolist, LApres-Midi dun Faune. In September, Faulkner would enroll in the University of Mississippi, and during his academic years it did not deter him from writing more poems. The Mississippian, the student paper, published Landing in Luck by Faulkner- the story is a nine-page short story created from his direct experience in the Royal Air Force flight training in 1916. He has also written several other poems such as Cathay, which is published in the Oxford Eagle and Sapphic, which is published in The Mississippian. During the summer, Faulkner became a house painter in Oxford, and in the beginning of autumn he enrolled in the University of Mississippi; however, his early pattern of school started to take toll. Faulkner began to cut classes and finally just stopped going. Although, this time he participated in a drama club called The Marionettes, and began to publish book reviews in The Mississippian. In the summer of 1921, Faulkner decided to take a trip to New York to receive some professional instructions from editors and critics, since Stone was

Wyomia Tyus, Olympic Gold Medalist

Wyomia Tyus, Olympic Gold Medalist About Wyomia Tyus: Known for: consecutive Olympic gold medals, 1964 and 1968, womens 100-meter dash Dates: August 29, 1945 - Occupation: athlete More About Wyomia Tyus: Wyomia Tyus, with three brothers, became active in sports early. She was educated in Georgia in segregated schools, and played basketball and later began to run. In high school she competing in the Girls National Championships of the Amateur Athletics Union, placing first in the 50-yard, 75-yard, and the 100-yard races. After winning the 1964 Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter dash, Wyomia Tyus traveled to African countries as a goodwill ambassador, running training clinics and helping athletes learn to compete in world competions. Wyomia Tyus planned to compete again in 1968 and was caught up in the controversy over whether black American athletes should compete or should refuse to compete in protest of American racism. She chose to compete. She did not give the black power salute when she was honored for winning gold medals for the 100-meter dash and as anchor of the team for the 400-meter relay, but she wore black shorts and dedicated her medal to the two athletes, Tommy Smith and John Carlos, who had given the black power salute when they won their medals. Wyomia Tyus was the first athlete to win gold medals for a sprint in consecutive Olympics. In 1973, Wyomia Tyus turned professional, running for the International Track Association. She later taught physical education and coached. She continued to be active in Olympics-related organizations and to support womens sports. In 1974, Wyomia Tyus joined Billie Jean King and other women athletes in founding the Womens Sports Foundation, which aims to enhance opportunities for girls in sports. Background, Family: Born in Griffin, GeorgiaFather: Willie Tyus, dairy workerMother: Marie, laundressonly girl and youngest of four children Education: high school in Georgiacollege at Tennessee State University; recreation major Marriage, Children: husband: Art Simburg (divorced)husband: Duane Tillmanchildren: Simone (daughter) and Tyus Tillman (son) Selected Wyomia Tyus Quotations Starting all over, its kind of difficult saying where you want to go. You go step by step, waiting and waiting, and, I guess, being a sprinter, its hard to wait. I never think about anybody. I let them think about me. I wasnt paid a dime for my track career. But participating in the Olympics gave me the opportunity to learn about different cultures; it made me a better person. I wouldnt trade the time I competed for anything. After the Olympics I did not even run across the street. You can be the best in the world and not be recognized.... A lot of it has to do with breaks. If a coach at Tennessee State hadnt given me a break at 14, I never would have been in the Olympic Games.