Skip to content

Language Quote by William Faulkner

“It does not take long. Soon the fine galloping language, the gutless swooning full of sapless trees and dehydrated lusts begins to swim smooth and swift and peaceful. It is better than praying without having to bother to think aloud. It is like listening in a cathedral to a eunuch chanting in a…” quote by William Faulkner
Download Open image
““It does not take long. Soon the fine galloping language, the gutless swooning full of sapless trees and dehydrated lusts begins to swim smooth and swift and peaceful. It is better than praying without having to bother to think aloud. It is like listening in a cathedral to a eunuch chanting in a language which he does not even need to not understand.””

William Faulkner

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Sound and the Fury, 1929

Language can be chaotic and ineffable, yet it offers a peaceful, intuitive understanding beyond rational prayer.

In simple terms: Words can be messy but still bring calm insight.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaning in the unstructured flow of thought.

Themes

language spirituality intuition artistic expression

Mood

contemplative poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • meditative practice
  • art criticism
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

existentialism stream of consciousness aesthetic experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find clarity in confusing ideas?
  • What role does intuition play in your decision‑making?
A Different Perspective

Chaotic language can be confusing; not everyone finds peace in abstraction.

4.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by William Faulkner

Explore all 674 William Faulkner quotes

More Language quotes

Browse all 21,964 Language quotes