William Faulkner

[JBI]

The Merchant Of Venice isn't even racist... There is nothing against being Jewish in there. In fact, if anything Shakespeare is commenting on the corruption in society. The fact that Shylock happens to be Jewish is just a means for setting up the plot since there were only Jewish money lenders in Venice.

The authors voice may make it into pieces of literature, but unless he is deliberately referring to himself (which Faulkner isn't, seeing as he writes fiction) there is really no point looking for it, other than to unveil more aspects of the content. As StLukes said on another thread, which character is Shakespeare in his plays? No one knows, and it doesn't matter.

[Sir Bartholomew]

I adore all of his books, especially The Portrait of a Lady and The Golden Bowl.

I'm a fan of the Golden Bowl too, but it took me pains to get acquainted with him and how he lately wrote. I remember squinting all throughout the Ambassadors and the Wings of the Dove.