Authors focus on creating new stories, but sometimes it is difficult to reveal the secrets in their hearts, especially following a traumatic event. However, they should strive to demonstrate perseverance, love, and compassion in such situations instead of fear. William Faulkner’s speech is full of despair and impending doom, and he believes that survival and prosperity will keep him standing still (Faulkner par. 1). Therefore, his speech inspires human beings and reminds them of their capabilities. In this way, Faulkner teaches people to endure and prevail in times of adversary. The way he uses his past to encourage man to persevere is amazing, and it is informative to writers and humanity.
Faulkner shows that his past required courage, hope, honor, sacrifice, and compassion, which are the pillars that keep people strong in the face of a calamity. Intruder in the Past features a black man called Lucas as the main character. He is a conventional person, wearing a dress presented in detail. Faulkner presents Lucas in “faded overalls, stiff-bosomed shirt without a collar, rugged trousers, and a heavy gold watch chain. He also states that Lucas is wearing a yellow vest and a shabby homemade hat, apart from using a gold toothpick” (Nehme par. 7). The protagonist is married to a woman called Molly, whom the author says is small, withered, and looking older than her husband. Intruder in the Dust is significant as it presents the issues an individual raises when they are dissociated from their traditions. In essence, Lucas appears different from a conventional Negro man, and he should be acknowledged for whom he is.
Apart from demanding appreciation and respect, Lucas seems antisocial to other Blacks and Whites. Faulkner’s speech information manifests itself when Jefferson Jail is unable to detain Lucas. Before this case, the man was falsely accused of shooting Vinson when Lucas threatened to reveal that the murderer was stealing Vinson’s belongings (Nehme par. 7-9). He is later released, and the victory over false accusation leaves him among tyrants in the white-dominated county. This incident relates to Faulkner’s experience, which inspired his speech. Lucas needed courage, endurance, and compassion to survive in jail because he did not commit the alleged murder.
Lucas established an independent race and personal identity that placed him in a spectacular position. He claims that his approaches to life help him live with the desired human status. Faulkner used him to emphasize the need to do right and stand strong in a challenging world. Lucas lives in isolation because he values freedom, and his complex character is fundamental in expressing Faulkner’s idea of humanity. He lives with dignity and self-awareness in a world of hostility and rejection (Nehme par. 9). Although humanity should care for all people, Faulkner presents Lucas as to advocate for concern for the family circle.
Faulkner uses figurative language in his speech to emphasize words that reflect emotion, and they are also presented in Intruder in the Dust. The author presents a human spirit that demands freedom from social norms and traditions. Through Lucas, Faulkner reveals that strength and vitality should warrant cravings for power and others’ unjust manipulation to dominate. Chick, who is aspiring to become a lawyer, is presented humanly helping Lucas. He is in a dilemma concerning whether he should infringe certain laws. Defying the social norm illustrates disparities that undermine humanity.
Works Cited
Faulkner, William. Banquet Price. The Nobel Prize, 1949, Web.
Nehme, Farran, S. Intruder in the Dust captures the chilling reality of Jim Crow. The Movie Goer, 2017, Web.