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Initial Impressions: Knight's Gambit, by William Faulkner - April 2021
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Tom, "Big Daddy"
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Mar 25, 2021 11:44PM
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Here is a review by Lawyer: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Here is a review by Lawyer: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
please forgive my typing. It is time for me to let you know my health ugglingsituation. As many of you know I have been str with lung cancer over the past year. I had a brain adssaican on March 23. I had aa quik call from my oncollogist. Thr cancer has spre to my brain. One sppot on r. occipatal lobe. One spot on r. cerebellum. I will havvr another MRI ON Saturday to plain for intense radiation. If the MRRI shows additional metastatis smaller than alread y shown, treatment will be longger and slower. And, my time left will be diminished-some months onlly. One to years if there iif the radiation destroys the two kknown cancer in the occ. lobe and r. cerebelum.
I do not write ffor sympathy. I do ask you to keep me in your prayers and thoughtd. no platitude. But i have learned to tell those you love that you do whil r you can. Thhose whp have contributed to the trail i value, and my. i love, admire andd respecr so, so many of you.
I have tremors in both hands. so I reaaly must type very slowly. please excuse my typos.
i hsvee lost my balance. Falling much. vision blurred in r. eye. I worry i could lose vision in both eyes. can you imagine me being unable to read? I can't.
I'm sorry for how long it has taken to tell you my full health story. don't want to burden others. Xdon't want to be poor poor pitiful me.
You may find Knight's Gambit
more different than any Faulkner you have ever read. 5 stories and one novella. I'llbe the first to say some stories are stroner than others. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this one.
One thing. Think about it. Gavin Stevens appears in more Faulner than any other character-17 stories and novels. Written in 1949 faulkner has written accessible to more readers.
We have held together as a ggroup since February 2012. Headed for our 10th anniversary. i hope that we can celebratetogether.
My sincere thanks to Miss Scarlette, Diane Barnes for helping me with Knight's Gambit by William Faulkner. The trail has some fine moderators,too. Tall woman Laura,, and Big Ddady Tom.
message 4:
by
Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"
(last edited Mar 26, 2021 04:45PM)
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rated it 4 stars
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I had Ratliff not give away too much of each story. I wrote it in a whimsy of fun and with a bit of tongue in cheek.
Ratliff and Stevens figure in major through the [book:THE SNOPES TRILOGY (The Hamlet, The Town, The Mansion).
You are an inspiration for us all, Mike. You well know my struggles with Mr. Faulkner over the years, but I finally completed one of his novels recently due to your insistence and encouragement, and I’m taking this one on. Will also raise a finger (or two or three) of bourbon to the upcoming 10th anniversary of your wonderful creation, known by most of us as The Trail. This is a special group you have nurtured.
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Laura wrote: "We are very fortunate that Mike is founder and moderator of The Trail. I think we are the best group, reading the best old and new southern literature."
Wyndy wrote: "You are an inspiration for us all, Mike. You well know my struggles with Mr. Faulkner over the years, but I finally completed one of his novels recently due to your insistence and encouragement, an..."
Many thanks to each of you. Not only am I'm enjoying my, uhm, third or fourth read of Knight's Gambit, I've found some wonderful reseearch on this collection I had not previoussly read. It is good to concentrate on something rather than be frozen worrying about this damnable illness. I used to joke that the key to immortality is a stack of unread books. Would that were so. But I face this with the will to fight, never giving up, refusing to abanddon hope.
Love to you Lawyer and I cannot wait to read this with you and the group
You are an amazing and inspirational person, Mike. I always enjoy having your views, particularly on Faulkner. The Trail brings a lot of joy to us all and I thank you for that. Looking forward to starting this one today.
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Sara wrote: "You are an amazing and inspirational person, Mike. I always enjoy having your views, particularly on Faulkner. The Trail brings a lot of joy to us all and I thank you for that. Looking forward to s..."
Jane wrote: "Love to you Lawyer and I cannot wait to read this with you and the group"
GOOD MORNING! I am thrilled to begin this discussion. My review was written in more light vein that is missing from a more serious look. We're going to look at Gavin Stevens more closely.
Who inspired Faulkner as the model for Lawyer Stevens? What do we know of his family's history? Why was Stevens so unlucky at love? Or was he?
Most important, how does Stevens as man of action reflect Faulkner's view of philosophy and life in the growing turbulence of civil rights that grew following an army integrated in the second World War.
Knight's Gambit has been repeatedly called "the Education of Gavin Stevens". In Faulkner's writing, we watch a South changing slowly, reluctantly in the way we treat others no matter the color of their skin. While Academicians may include all Faulkner's work after the 1930s MINOR WORKS, I do not. Faulkner wrote in a much more accessible style to reach a broader audience. The words of his Stockholm Address upon receiving the Nobel Prize in 1950 echo through in his work until his death. Faulkner was entering his final stage of writing solidly when Knight's Gambit in 1949.
My thanks to all who join me on this journey. By the end you'll know why I became Lawyer Stevens. Bless you all. I am headed to the Cancer Center to find the results of yesterday's second brain scan and learn the course of my treatment. I'll be back! :-)
To Lawyer Phil Stone is mentioned by critics as a real life model for Gavin Stevens. Do you agree? Have you discovered others, whom Faulkner knew, who could be the once lving inspiration for the character?
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Lawyer Gavin Stevens finds that the situation is not what it first appears to be in the stories "Smoke" and "Monk." The lawyer uses the courtroom to obtain justice in "Smoke," but finds truth about a prisoner without going into the courtroom in "Monk."I liked the description of Lawyer Stevens in "Smoke":
"He was a Harvard graduate: a loose-jointed man with a mop of untidy iron-gray hair, who could discuss Einstein with college professors and who spent whole afternoons among the squatting men against the walls of country stores, talking to them in their idiom. He called these his vacations."
Mike, it was very generous of you to moderate this discussion while you are coping with your medical treatments. I'm looking forward to reading your review after I finish the book to gain more insights.
message 16:
by
Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"
(last edited Apr 01, 2021 11:29PM)
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rated it 4 stars
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Phil Stone is mentioned by critics as a real life model for Gavin Stevens. Do you agree? Have you discovered others, whom Faulkner knew, who could be the once lving inspiration for the ..."
Absolutely. Phil Stone's and Faulkner's intertwined lives for seventeen years. Stone was a brilliant man, receiving degrees in classicism, and two law degrees. Both made Oxford their home.
It was the summer of 1914. Stone is twenty-one. Faulkner was sixteen. Both were in the circle of Estelle Oldham's family, a group tightly in Oxford social circle's. Faulkner would ask to marry Estelle Oldham. Her father would not allow it.
The group talked ideas, the classics, and literature, especially poetry. Faulkner was hardly equipped to have offered opinions on a sophisticated level.
Yet, Faulkner began writing poetry in which Stone believed was filled with genius. Stone mentored Faulkner and helped him achieve publication of his first poems.
Stone's true passion was literature, not law. Faulkner was the center of Stone's life until he began to become critical of Faulkner's novels after the 1930s. At times it was suggested Stone should write as he liked. Stone's response was bitter. Why should he write when he could be Faulkner's nurse maid.
Stone outlived Faulkner by five years. He looked upon Faulkner with bitterness.
However, I have no doubt that Stone was first the model for the ineffectual lawyer Horace Benbow in Sanctuary, and Gavin Stevens while separating the character from the person, if that makes sense.
Mod
I hope you don't mind my going off topic for an update on my trip to the Cancer Center today. It's good news. :-)
Here I am Michael McConnell Sullivan, Michael M. Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Mr. Mike (my favorite), "Santa Claus," online I am "Lawyer Gavin Stevens", "Lawyer Stevens", or simply "Lawyer," for William Faulkner's literary lawyer through whom Faulkner expanded his writing to address the growing unrest in the south over hate, racism, greed, and the search for justice. Online, I am the Founding Moderator Emeritus of "On the Southern Literary Trail. We've been reading together since February, 2012. I began it to occcupy my mind as I dealt with the death of my mother on February 2, 2012. It was something which helped me connect readers with magnificent books. I remain there still, though I don't remain as active as I once was. Cancer sucks. When a constant reader, blurred vision sucks. Just the facts.
But, I hear the feet shuffling. Y'all whispering, "He said he'd give an update!"
UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!!!!
In addition to all those aliases I rolled out, I picked up another at the Cancer Center...May I introduce you to the latest edition...
Call me MAXIMUS DESIMUS, MERIDIUS. YES! GLADIATOR!
THE CANCER IN MY BRAIN IS CONFINED TO THE TWO AREAS IDENTIFIED. THERE IS NO FURTHER METASTATIS AT THIS TIME!
So...I will have the intense one day radiation treatment in the next week or so. Continuing scans every three months will verify containment.
Why GLADIATOR? Prior to receiving radiation a mask was designed to cover face, and complete head, top and back. The completed mask is a shade of yellow. The pieces are held together with large bolts, screws, and or clamps.
The mask is designed to allow the accuracy of the target spots when the radiation is applied.
Please accept my apology for any foolishness or silliness. I am lighted by Joy. I want this kind of happiness for all of you.
I feel as if I have been relieved of a burden. I may have received a reprieve. The ability to continue to help others longer. More time to thank all of you who have given me so much support and comfort. And one last thought. Why did I ever become a man who said miracles were fairy tales? Thank you, God. I think I understand now. Sweet Peace.
With love,
Mike
Oh my goodness ! What wonderful news !
Jumping up and down with joy :)
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Jane wrote: "Oh my goodness ! What wonderful news !"
I have been absolutely giddy with the news. You've always been my best book friend across the water. It's wonderful to tell the news. Though I know I cannot stave off the end of life, each day that remains is precious. Working on Knight's Gambit has been a great way to remain positive and keep my mind on something quite interesting. Researching a "minor" work by Faulkner makes me laugh out loud. It's more than some critics can bear. However they miss the purpose of Faulkner's distinct, purposes in showing a changing world. Gavin Stevens could never have fit into the early novels. The Bundrens, The Compsons, The Sartorises exist in a world apart. Whattya think?
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Gavin Stevens
Submitted by sfr on Sat, 2019-01-26 14:16
Character Key Number:
216
Display Name:
Gavin Stevens
Sort Name:
Stevens, Gavin
Parent Character Key:
Lemuel Stevens
Ever Present in Yoknapatawpha?:
Yes
Biography:
Gavin Stevens appears altogether in seventeen fictions, making him one of Faulkner's most frequently recurring characters. Details about his past vary from text to text between "Hair" (1931) and The Mansion (1960) - "Hand Upon the Waters" describes him as the last remaining descendant of the original settlers of Yoknapatawpha; "Knight's Gambit" and The Mansion are the only texts to describe his service as a non-combatant in World War I. And in those two later texts he abruptly marries a former sweetheart, though elsewhere he appears to be a confirmed bachelor. But one part of his biography remains consistent: he is the best educated inhabitant of Yoknapatawpha. "Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard; Ph.D., Heidelberg," as the narrator of Go Down, Moses sums it up (353). Despite his experience of the larger world, Gavin returns to acquire a law degree at the University of Mississippi before he comes home to serve Yoknapatawpha as County Attorney in many of the texts, as Faulkner's version of Sherlock Holmes in the six detective fictions published together in Knight's Gambit, and in general as "the designated paladin of justice and truth" (Moses, 364). He defends the people of the county (whose vernacular he knows how to speak) from criminals, the town of Jefferson and even Flem's wife and daughter from Snopesism, and in Intruder in the Dust the white South from the "outlanders" - the people "North and East and West" who seek to "force" civil rights legislation on the region (199). Faulkner doesn't hesitate to undercut Gavin's character at times. The scene between Eula Snopes as seducer and Gavin as affrighted virgin in Chapter 5 of The Town is a particularly comic instance of this. But Faulkner allows Gavin's voice to fill up a lot of pages in the fiction from the second half of his career, not just as one of the narrators of The Town but as someone who loves to hear himself explaining the world to other people. Scholars disagree about whether we should read Gavin as a raissoneur, someone who speaks for Faulkner, but for Charles Mallison, biologically his nephew, psychologically his surrogate son, and the other character who has to listen to Gavin more than anyone else, Gavin's voice seems to articulate "everything which as he himself became more and more a man he had found to be true" (Intruder, 190). It is actually Gavin Stevens who, in Requiem for a Nun, speaks those famous words about the past being "never dead" that are invariably attributed to Faulkner (73).
The Digital Yoknapatawpha Project, The University of Virginia
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I loved "Smoke". Gavin Stevens was one sly dog. His chicanery involving the smoke filled box made me howl.
From The Yoknapatawpha Project, University of Virginia, regarding "Smoke."
Smoke," which appears on Faulkner's sending schedule for 1930, was initially published by Harper's Magazine in April 1932. Republished in Doctor Martino and Other Stories in 1934 by Harrison Smith and Robert Haas of New York, and also available in a German printing in English at this period, "Smoke" eventually became the opening episode in Knight’s Gambit (1949). Our representation of the story draws on the Vintage International paperback edition of that book (2011).
A murder mystery, "Smoke" marks the first major appearance in Faulkner's canon of Gavin Stevens, the county attorney with an inquiring mind; Stevens had a minor role in "Hair" (1931), but after this story Faulkner often casts him in the role of private investigator. In "Smoke," he at once solves a homicide, reveals the murderous truth behind a supposed death by misadventure, and prevents a third homicide. While Stevens's grandstanding before the jury, which throws suspicion on each suspect in turn before unmasking the guilty party, recalls the techniques employed by other fictional detectives, such as Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, his incriminating subterfuge with smoke closes this initial entry in Knight's Gambit with the chivalrous attorney’s first successful gambit.
First Publisher:
Harper's Magazine
First Publisher Date:
April 1932
I witnessed similar chicanery practiced in the courtroom during my career in the District Attorney's office. A prominent defense attorney represented a man charged with a serious offense. His client sat at counsel table beside him. After the State Rested, defense counsel moved for dismissal. The investigating officer did identify the man next to counsel. BUT, Counsel revealed the man beside him was NOT his client, but his client's IDENTICAL TWIN BROTHER. It was a pre-trial hearing set before trial. Therefore, the case was not dismissed. It was ultimately settled as almost 90% are.
Mod
"He was a Harvard graduate: a loose-jointed man with a mop of untidy iron-gray hair, who could discuss Knight's GambitEinstein with college professors and who spent whole afternoons among the squatting men against the walls of country stores, talking to them in their idiom. He called these his vacations."
Connie, you hit on my favorite quote in "Smoke." Knight's Gambit spans decades. Gavin Stevens was twenty-eight when he tried his first case solo. He was already prematurely gray. The title piece of Knight's Gambit finds Gavin aged Fifty. His hair snowy white.
It was those vacations Lawyer Stevens took that made him a good lawyer. The popular belief of the public is that a lawyer works from behind a desk. He speaks to those who come to him. The silk stocking lawyer never squats to have a chin wag with regular folk.
I'm doing my best to speak from my personal experience. This topic is about the book, not me. Of course, I'm going the exact opposite direction.
I did not, could not be a good career prosecutor waiting on my witnesses to come to my office after a secretary phoned and set an appointment.
Most witnesses don't want to see you, dpn't want to be involved. I went to them.
I was raised in my grand parents' home. From early childhood my grandfather took me on his "vacations". I learned how to talk to the most menial of workers to presidents of corporations. I was in and out of government offices. He taught me how to present myself. Respect whomever I spoke to. Understand that all people have thoughgts to which they are entitled. Every person is unique. He taught me the importance of listening. Gave me the sense of when to keep MY mouth shut. And never to impose my feelings on what I wanted a person to say other than the truth.
Fact. Judges told me I could connect with a witness on the stand better than any other lawyer they knew.
I owe my grandfather that. And the writing of William Faulkner. I've now read Faulkner more than 50 years. I believe I am on my fourth time around Knight's Gambit. That's why Big Daddy Tom refers to Lawyer as my beloved Lawyer Gavin Stevens. I identify with him. His humane response to each case resonates with me.
HOLD IT IN THE ROAD ! My prayers are with you . As a former prosecutor like you I certainly can identity with you and Mr. Stevens. God bless you .
Mod
"Smoke" was a great story! I especially enjoyed the story behind the Holland family and how they came to be where they were currently. It was very readable but still there is a lot to take in and put into place like fitting together the pieces of a puzzle. Faulkner does this very smoothly and with a flow to the language that I couldn't put it down.
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Iris, thank you so much. Y'all keep my spirits uplifted, my mind active, and my will unbreakable. It's wonderful to share this read witth y?.'all and see what think. :-)?
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Lawson wrote: "HOLD IT IN THE ROAD ! My prayers are with you . As a former prosecutor like you I certainly can identity with you and Mr. Stevens. God bless you ."Light in August
Lawson, what a pleasure to meet you. I'm not only holding the road but covering the ground on which I stand. Ride, boldly Ride in search of El Dorado. (Poe)
Don't sell youtsrlf short. Not only werre a pprosecutor, you retired as a Judge. I see an LOA edition of Faulkner is number one on your favorites. What's your ffavoriitee Faulkner? Mine is Light in August. Lswyer Gavin Strvens appears there. However, heis only repoortiing his observatins on why Joe Christmas was huntd down and lynched. He serves as a commentator on human nature and how a community loses its humanity. He will become a man of action in later appearances: Knight's Gambit, and Intruder in the Dust. The
The
Judge, I'd welcome your comments on Gavin Stevens. It would be fascinatiing to know your thoughts on how Stevens performed in court.
You won't be stepping on my toes. We can team up on this.
Mod
Evening, Dave. So good to have you with us. I also enjoyed "Smoke" very much. Please let us know about all the stories you read. Each is set a different time. My sincere thanks for kerping me in your thoughts and prayers.
Mod
PARCHMAN PRISON
Text: "Monk"
Location Key: Parchman Penitentiary
Display Label: The Penitentiary
Map Icon: OutOfYoknapatawpha
Authority : Context (text, as interpreted)
Other Texts Location Appears In: "A Point of Law""Go Down, Moses""Smoke""There Was a Queen"Go Down, MosesThe MansionThe ReiversThe Town
X: 2304
Y: 400
Description:
Much of the story takes place at what the narrative refers to as "the penitentiary" (49). This location includes a cell, the warden's house, the mess hall, and the death house. The narrative never refers to it by name, but it's likely that Faulkner was thinking of the Mississippi State Penitentiary, better known as Parchman Farm - a maximum security prison located in the Delta in the northwestern part of the state. It has been in operation since the first decade of the 20th century.
Role: Site of Event
Status: Continuous
Types: Jail
Submitted by sfr on Thu, 2014-06-05 10:32
Code:
MNK
Type:
short story
Editors:
Lorie Watkins
Stephen Railton
About:
Faulkner's second detective story, "Monk" was originally published in Scribner's Magazine in May, 1937. Faulkner wrote four more detective fictions between 1939 and 1949, and in 1949 collected all six into a volume entitled Knight's Gambit. Our representation of the story is based on the Vintage International paperback edition of that book (2011).
"Monk" actually features two different types of mystery, which call for two different types of detectives. As in most detective fictions, "Monk" contains mysterious deaths - two of them; as in all the Knight's Gambit stories, the investigating detective figure is Gavin Stevens - Yoknapatawpha County Attorney and one of Faulkner's favorite characters. But "Monk" is even more interested in the mystery of a life - Monk's. And it is the story's unnamed narrator who, at the outset, announces his intention to "tell about Monk" as a kind of detective quest: by means of the "nebulous tools" that "literature" provides he undertakes to resolve the "inconsistencies in [Monk's] brief and sordid and unoriginal history" (41). In the end Gavin discovers the persons responsible for the two deaths, and the narrator makes considerable progress toward reconstructing Monk's life. But neither finds a satisfactory answer to their own questions about why the legal system fails Monk on multiple occasions. As the narrator notes, Monk "should never have gone to the penitentiary at all" (41), nor been executed for a crime that he was coerced into committing there. Faulkner underscores this failure of justice at the story's end, when Stevens simply walks out of the travesty of a Parole Board hearing and effectively turns his back on the legal system, at least for for the time being.
First Publisher:
Scribner's Magazine
First Publisher Date:
May 1937
Page Start:
41
Page Stop:
63
Edit Copy Publisher:
Vintage International
Edit Copy Publisher Location:
New York
Edit Copy Publisher Date:
2011
Search DIsplay Order:
39.00
Other Resources:
MonkIllustrations
Publication Date:
1937-05
Reference: The DigitalYoknapatawpha Project, University of Virginia
Mod
I agree, Lori. It was a great editorisal decison to open with "Smoke". Then you're dropped to the depths of deespair in "Monk". The tone shifts from witty dry humor to utter tragedy fueledd by governmmrental corruption to murder for pure greed. Stevens' anger is sharp, correct, and a scathing indictment of injustice.
Mod
Hi, Mr. Mike!I haven't posted much in the group, but I wanted to read Knight's Gambit with y'all.
First, congratulations on the good report! I know your heart is soaring. God bless you!
Second, I was delighted by what you shared about the lessons you learned on your "vacations" with your grandfather and the tidbits about your career. These details are as interesting as the book, maybe even more so.
I finished "Smoke" today. I loved the humor in the last line. One of my favorite things about this story was the way Mr. Faulkner told it from the view of the townsfolk, who appeared to have quite a lot of solidarity in their opinions about everyone in the story. We thought this about so and so, and We knew that about such and such. That was just plain fun.
The details you are sharing with us about Gavin Stevens and William Faulkner definitely deepen the read. I look forward to "Monk" coming up next. Sort of - I'm afraid it might be a hard one based on the initial discussion. I'll have to put on my big girl pants.
Thank you for moderating and bringing so much to the discussion.
To Lawyer and all:we exchanged thoughts earlier about Faulkner's use of the real life Stone for the Stevens character. What do you think about the obvious Bilbo as Faulkner's model for the governor? and What is Faulkner revealing about the Mississippi politicians of his day? I wonder if there was a governor whom Faulkner admired. idk,
Maybe Hugh White?
Very good to hear about your latest news, Lawyer. (Gladiator ... Mike ... those are fine names and all, one's even your real one, but Lawyer sticks with me the most. Maybe your first and truest invention.)Smoke, for me, has Faulkner's finest writing in this book. The first part, where Charles (I assume) is telling everybody the background story really draws me in. Faulkner doesn't describe the scene of the telling--there's just the conversational voice, no doubt talking to a group, no doubt on a porch, back or front, and no doubt there's a jug nearby. Also, no doubt, it's a story told many times before to these same people, and the real value is not just the information in the story, but also the telling it, over and over. That's how people used to keep their stories alive. That how people used to know that they were known, understood, accepted, and even loved.
My favorite line in the whole book comes from right there: "[W]e always looked at Virginius a little askance too; he was a little too much master of himself. For it is human nature to trust quickest those who cannot depend upon themselves."
Thank you William. That alone was worth the price of admission.
Monk: The gov's gotta be Bilbo. Bless his shriveled little heart. I think it was Bilbo who once denounced a political opponent as a self-admitted philanthropist. (Who said a lousy public school system didn't have its advantages? Otherwise, how could the demagogues demagogue?)
Lawyer wrote: "Whattya think?"No doubt about it. Faulkner needed somebody from the old-style "aristocracy" to oppose "Snope-ism." The trouble was, as he well knew and recorded, those old-style aristocrats had their own corruptions that had run them all to ruin by the time Flem became a force to be reckoned with. So, Faulkner needed a new old-style aristocrat, somebody free from the taint of suicide, madness, dissipation, and just plain devolved greed. Gavin Stevens wouldn't have had anything to do in Faulkner's earlier books but look on in sadness, but his services were very much needed against the Snopes.
Mod
I haven't posted much in the group, but I wanted to read Knight's Gambit with y'all.
First, congratulations on the good report! I know your heart is soaring. God bless you!
Many thanks for your kinfd worrds. I certsainly hope you continue to comment. You're righyt on target. "Mmonk" is a tough, tragic tysale of injjustice. Brrred in grereed and corruption.
Second,..."
Mod
No doubt about it. Faulkner needed somebody from the old-style "aristocracy" to oppose "Snope-ism." The trouble was, as he well knew and recorded, those old-style ar..."
Randsll, I always smile whenn yoour cooments arrive. Your analysis is so cogent. When I read your thoughts mmy rreaction ttakes me back to seven years of Latin. I think, "Mirabile Dictu!" At timess I actually catch myself saying itt aloud. LAUGHING.
Mod
I am to haave the intrense rafdiation soon. ZI reeturn to the Cancer Center today for a third "practice run" in Ggladiator mask. I am tired tofday.
I could use spme reinforcements, guyss. I zshould be furtther into the discussion. I intrnddex to have "Hand on the Wwater" up.
I WILL BE BACK. AFTER "PRACTICE". DANG.
You are in our thoughts and prayers, sir. We look forward to catching up on discussion after your treatment. Stay strong!
Mod
Thank you. I love Robert Duvall's work too.
A modest try at providing reinforcement.Hands Upon the Waters: first published in 1939. I hope it's not too much of a spoiler (I seem to transgress the spoiler prohibition much too much) to say that, no doubt Harper Lee was aware of this story when she plotted To Kill A Mocking Bird.
Also of note, we learn here of Gavin Stevens' long pedigree in Yoknapatawpha, being the lone representative of the three original white settlers of the county. (But what about his sister? His nephew? I guess patrilineal descent determined such things.)
I have finally begun reading and catching up with this thread. Mike, so good to hear your recent news. And that you are leading this discussion. You brought me back to Faulkner who I hadn’t read really since college and for that I am so grateful. You are in my thoughts and prayers now.
As for King’s Gambit, I enjoyed Smoke. Reading of Stevens’ and your exploits reminds me of the old Perry Mason show where he essentially solved the case in the courtroom and got a confession each week. Now I’m on to read Monk.
Now Monk includes true Faulknerian prose; sentences I had to read at least twice to be sure of meaning. I do enjoy those complex, almost over-written descriptions of features or actions or intent. This story pulls together well in the end but that doesn’t stop it from being so sad.
Mod
Yes, Sue. Imfeed it is a ssad story, strepef in greed andd corruption. Monk had become "institutionalized" so lomg that even given releasd he wantef. to remain therre, Stevens' anger is palpable. There is no justice here, even thoughh Stevens sees through the parroted language of the prisoners.
Mod
Hands Upon the Waters: first published in 1939. I hope it's not too much of a spoiler (I seem to transgress the spoiler prohibition much too much) to say t..."
We move to the third story, "Hand Upon the Water". A bit different. Stevens serves not only as County Attorney, but also as District Attorney.
Text: "Hand upon the Waters"
Character Key: Gavin Stevens
Display Name: Gavin Stevens
Sort Name: Stevens, Gavin
Race: White
Gender: Male
Class: Upper Class
Rank: Major
Vitality: Alive
Family: Stevens
Family (new): StevenssInHUW
Occupation: Administrative
Specific Job: County Attorney
First Mentioned: Jefferson Courthouse and Square in "Hand upon the Waters" (Location)
Home: Stevens-Mallison Home in "Hand upon the Waters" (Location)
Other Texts: "A Name for the City""An Error in Chemistry""By the People""Go Down, Moses""Hair""Knight's Gambit""Monk""Smoke""Tomorrow"Go Down, MosesIntruder in the DustLight in AugustRequiem for a NunThe MansionThe Town
Biography:
Gavin Stevens, the county attorney, is the last representative of the pioneers who founded Yoknapatawpha County. Lonnie Grinnup had been the other living representative. Stevens goes "to look at the dead man’s face for a sentimental reason" (70). That sentiment initiates the Lonnie Grinnup murder case, because at the inquest for Lonnie Stevens smells something fishy. In his own way, which has clear connections to the traditions of literary detectives but also to the aristocratic idea of "noblesse oblige," Stevens proceeds to solve the mystery of Lonnie's death.
Individual or Group: Individual
Digital Yoknapatawpha Project
Yes, the Stevens familyy was one of the firstt three to settle Yoknawpatawpha County. I'm very tired tonight. I'm not accustomed to being unable to type without making errors. Y'all deservee better out of me. Please accept my apology. I will try again tomorrow. Good night.
I've only just now got to this one today and read the first one "Smoke" and enjoyed it. Interesting point of view. Is the narrator the town of Jefferson? The pronoun "we" is used the describe the action in the story. I thought it was interesting how Stevens makes his appearance and it is sort of like a scene in a courtroom drama awaiting his verdict for the crime. I like the description of Gavin Stevens when he is first introduced:
"He was a Harvard graduate: a loose-jointed man with a mop of untidy iron-gray hair, who could discuss Einstein with college professors and who spent whole afternoons among the squatting men against the walls of country stores, talking to them in their idiom. He called these his vacations."
On the Southern Literary Trail
Books mentioned in this topic
The Saddest Words: William Faulkner's Civil War (other topics)William Faulkner and Southern History (other topics)
Uncollected Stories of William Faulkner (other topics)
Snopes (other topics)
Collected Stories (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Joel Williamson (other topics)Michael Gorra (other topics)
William Faulkner (other topics)
