1. Analogy: Faulkner uses an analogy to connect the writer's role to that of a carpenter. He says, "I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance." This analogy emphasizes the power of humanity's spirit and its ability to overcome adversity, much like a skilled carpenter can create something beautiful and lasting from raw materials.
2. Repetition: Faulkner uses repetition to emphasize the importance of the writer's role. He states, "I believe that the writer must be on guard against himself and against his time. He must be aware of the tyranny of the times... The writer's duty is to write about these things." This repetition of "the writer" and "he must" strengthens the argument that writers have a responsibility to address the difficult realities of the world.
3. Metaphor: Faulkner uses metaphors to portray the writer's responsibility and the potential impact of their work. He says, "The writer's only responsibility is to his art. He will be completely free only when he is completely himself... The human spirit is indomitable. It will rise from the ashes of the world's disasters." This metaphor of rising from ashes symbolizes the resilience of humanity and the potential for renewal through art and literature.
These are just a few of the many rhetorical devices that Faulkner uses effectively in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech. His use of these devices contributes to the speech's power, message, and enduring relevance.