The Wild Palms

novel by Faulkner

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July 15, 2026

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"The Wild Palms" is a novel by William Faulkner, published in 1939. It is known for its experimental structure, featuring two alternating narratives that are thematically linked. The novel explores complex themes and is considered a significant work in Faulkner's oeuvre, showcasing his distinctive style and narrative techniques.1

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William Faulkner
Later life and works of William Faulkner
…Faulkner’s earlier works, his novel The Wild Palms (1939) was again technically adventurous, with two distinct yet thematically counterpointed narratives alternating, chapter by chapter, throughout. But he was beginning to return to the Yoknapatawpha County material he had first imagined in the 1920s and subsequently exploited in short-story form. The…
Read More
…Faulkner’s earlier works, his novel The Wild Palms (1939) was again technically adventurous, with two distinct yet thematically counterpointed narratives alternating, chapter by chapter, throughout. But he was beginning to return to the Yoknapatawpha County material he had first imagined in the 1920s and subsequently exploited in short-story form. The…
Read More