Many tragedies have occurred over the last century. William Faulkner believes that the greatest tragedy of the last century is that modern writers no longer write of the spirit. On the other hand, in his memoir, Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt claims that Irish Catholic childhood is far worse. However, both tragedies are connected as McCourt's emotional account of his misfortunes exemplifies the profound influence of literature that Faulkner wishes other writers to have. In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, William Faulkner sets the standards of good literature that Frank McCourt adheres to through his writings of suffering and compassion. William Faulkner states that it is the writer's duty to focus on the universal feelings of love, honor, pity, pride, compassion, and sacrifice. Unfortunately, modern writers no longer deal with the “problems of the human heart in conflict with itself” (Faulkner). These authors only wish to illustrate the story, thinking that the lesson lies in the conclusion. However, the most important moral remains tied to the characters' responses to these adversities, so the story is only a container in which "universal truths" are transmitted. Using the emotional appeals of the story, the author must "help the man to resist by lifting his heart, reminding him of the courage, honor, hope, pride, compassion, mercy and sacrifice that have been the glory of its past". All people have felt and understood these emotions, but by ignoring them, modern writers have not left a “scar” on readers. Faulkner hopes to enlighten these young writers to continue the meritorious work of helping man to resist. Without Faulkner's standard of good literature, all emotion would be lost in modern informational literature. F...... middle of paper ...... forgive yourself for your mistakes (343). Although the reader is reminded of the shame of his past, the author, through the character's consolation, elevates his heart to his former honor, honor, and compassion. Frank McCourt does as Faulkner suggests and helps the reader endure his own pain mirrored by the character's confrontation with adversity. In this coming-of-age story, the reader not only experiences the characters' suffering and compassion, but also shares these emotions with the characters. Faulkner said this connection is essential to good literature, and Frank McCourt achieves this through his writings on suffering and compassion. With the characters' emotional turmoil, the reader hopes for reconciliation for both the character and himself, so Faulkner's good literature shows the reader previous downfalls so he can prevent his own and prevail..