The cultural context significantly shaped William Faulkner's works, particularly the Southern Gothic tradition he was part of. Growing up in Mississippi, Faulkner was influenced by the region's complex social hierarchies, particularly those surrounding race and class. His narratives often delve into themes of loss, memory, and the decline of the Southern aristocracy. The legacy of the Civil War and its aftermath also permeated his stories, reflecting the tensions and contradictions of Southern life. Faulkner's unique narrative techniques captured the fragmented nature of human experience, becoming integral to his portrayal of the American South.