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William Faulkner is an American novelist/poet originating from Mississippi. He is considered as one of the most well-known authers of the 20th century, using a diverse set of literary techniques such as symbolism, allegory, multiple narrators and points of view, non-linear narrative, and especially stream of consciousness. Because of his use of these literary techniques, he is criticized for being difficult to understand and "all over the place." Still, his use of these literary techniques helped him impose his own original style of writing on stories and focus on details such as diction and cadence, which contrasted with fellow writer Ernest Hemingway's style, who let the reader make his own assumptions within the story. Faulkner is also considered the father of the "stream of consciousness" technique, but this is incorrect since 18th century French novelist used the technique before him.

Faulkner is also considered one of the most influential Southern writers along with Mark Twain and, to some extent, Tennessee Williams. He also won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, and was an alcoholic.