Faulkner Still Lives

Oxford – The 37th Annual University of Miss. Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference was held from July 18-22nd.

The Home of Williams Faulkner, Rowan Oak, was surrounded by authors, college professors, students, community supporters and even small children all faced with a common goal of becoming more knowledgeable of Faulkner’s work. The tall trees provided shade, while the atmosphere was filled with the smell of catfish and sweetened tea provided by Taylor’s Grocery. Many gathered in conversation discussing the tour through Bailey Woods while others spoke of their impressions with the homeliness of Oxford.

Due to the atmosphere, Tyler Hale, a Harvard University student felt a connection with the South. “Everywhere is so homey, even down to Southern literature and William Faulkner’s work,” said Tyler Hale, Harvard University student.

Visitors were in awe during the revealing of the newly restoredEast lawn and great barber of Faulkner’s home. Leadership Lafayette, an eight-month course that runs from January through August, designed to ensure the continuity of leadership in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community sponsored the restorations.

“We have been working all year long, spending several Saturdays planting and doing small renovations to the barber and gazebo. We’ve also managed to start a fund for future projects on the lawn are of Rowan Oak.” said Stephanie Beebe member of 2010 class of Leadership Lafayette.

Throughout the conference there was a showing of several films and film clips, either from screenplays by Faulkner, such as the Road to Glory, which was introduced by Matthew Ramsey, assistant professor of Film and Media Studies at Salvage Regina University, on Sunday and films made by Faulkner’s novels such as Sanctuary, which aired on Tuesday night by the university’s very own, Deborah Baker, associate professor of English.

Dr. Jeff Stayton, Instructor of English here at the university, said, “Though the conference has been in effect for some 30- odd years, this year the main attractions seem to be the film adaptations of Faulkner’s work.”

There were also guided daylong tours of Memphis and North Mississippi, including Oxford, the Delta and New Albany. Though in its 37^th year, the Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference still serves as learning tool for Faulkner lovers all over the World.

“My job this year has been to show all the visitors what Oxford has to offer, whether Faulkner landmarks or great shopping on the Square. We have people here from France, New York, Virginia, you name it, they are here.” said Dr. Jeff Stayton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-75gnmrk4Xw