Faulkner's Universal Truths
On December 10, 1950 a series of Nobel Prizes were awarded for outstanding achievement within distinct fields. On this particular date William Faulkner received the prize for literature. Rather than giving a normal acceptance speech Faulkner outlined specific guidelines which he believed all writers should obey. He believed it was the writer's duty to uphold the universal truths: love, honor, pity, pride, compassion, and sacrifice. The world during the fifties was encapsulated by fear of nuclear destruction and Faulkner believed this to be literature's greatest obstacle. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible, also believed that fear was instrumental in the downfall of justice and love. His play, The Crucible, clearly illustrates how fear can ravage even a small community and how Faulkner's universal truths can lead to salvation.
Love, the antidote for fear and hate, is clearly embellished upon by Arthur Miller. Within Miller's play, The Crucible, love becomes the most powerful ally for two characters enveloped in hysteria. It is obvious Miller writes about fear, but not in a context with which Faulkner would disagree. Salem, a small town thrust into disorder, is forced to confront fear head on. As a small group of girls accuses many dignified men and women, fear rips through the community. John Proctor, one of the accused, along with his wife appear quite alone in their quest for salvation. Their love, although straining under weighty circumstances, allows them to confront the situation not only with bravery and courage, but also with hope. Like Faulkner, Miller depicts a world that without love would be lost. Faulkner states love to be a universal truth, those familiar with The Crucible would also agree to such a statement.
Perhaps the most significant of emotions evoked for John Proctor are pity, as well as compassion. Miller develops compassion for Proctor despite his act of adultery. This at first seems quite odd, but Miller brings the reader to the realization that Proctor is only a human being, quite capable of error. According to Faulkner one must write of compassion and pity, Miller does so by intertwining both with forgiveness. Elizabeth Proctor, John's wife, forgives John for his sins, for he is truly sorry and truly loves her. This display of courage, strength, and love can only draw a feeling of compassion for John Proctor, which is only heightened during his death. Miller, as well as Faulkner, would agree that without compassion the world would not know forgiveness, and without forgiveness it would destroy itself.
Sacrifice, pride, and honor is an unusual trio but Miller places them together as if they were pieces to a puzzle. Throughout The Crucible both John and Elizabeth Proctor attempt to sacrifice their reputations to save each other. These relinquishments, however, do not compare to the sacrifice John ultimately makes for his beliefs. John Proctor was placed on trail for witchcraft, the only punishment being death. To save his life John would have to admit publicly to witchcraft, something for which he was not guilty. As he prepares to take such actions, he realizes it is a far greater sin to sacrifice his honor, pride, and beliefs than to be sentenced to death. Thus John is forced to sacrifice his life to preserve his pride, honor, and dignity. Faulkner believed the writer's duty was to preserve and write of honor, pride, and sacrifice, all of which Miller does successfully.
William Faulkner believed that the preservation of the universal truths was the duty of the writer. Within Miller's play, The Crucible, all these truths are supported. Whether Miller did this with Faulkner in mind is unknown, but it is quite clear that Miller's play contains all the universal truths. Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned from both Faulkner and Miller has not to do with writing, but rather with life: Do not let fear rule one's life, for a life full of fear is a life full of emptiness.