Joyce didn't get it... But I'm fairly certain he wouldn't have snubbed the Nobel if he had. And he's way beyond Dylan I'm afraid.

And Absalom, Absalom. And The Sound and the Fury. Dylan is a vain, pompous fool.

I don't think Dylan meant to insult Faulkner by being given an award he never sought and doesn't appear to want.

I don't think that's accurate Roger. Dylan was very motivated by the desire to be popular. And I don't think it would insult Faulkner. It wouldn't register. When Faulkner arrived in Japan, he was met by crowd of adoring fans. Which surprised him. His response to that has always made me smile.

I never said that Dylan didn't want his music to be popular. I said that he never sought the Nobel Prize and doesn't seem to want it now that it's his. No matter how you slice it, he's done nothing to insult Faulkner.

Ok. It's a different medium that's getting a nod. That is, for me, exciting. I don't for a moment tho believe this is the same animal as poetry or fiction. Some words need music. For the most part, Dylan's writing would get butchered here. Without the name Dylan attached to it. Isn't that the way it goes? And I'm sorry, I know lyrics have been posted. But, no. That said, with the music, pretty good stuff. (Everyone knows this, but I can't help it. In my top three Dylan songs ever. Peace, Bob. And Bob.)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YwSZvHqf9qM

Dylan spoke well and generously when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. I'm sure this was an honor he was glad to accept. As Roger said, the Nobel is not something he sought. If he ignores the prize, maybe that's the statement he wants to make.

What would you guess is the statement? Big awards are poopy? Really though, just say I have to decline for such and such reasons. Or just say I'm sorry I have to decline. Not acknowledging it seems like posturing to me. Maybe it's just me, but it smells bad.

It's not just you. Though Dylan is under no obligation, respectfully declining the award, as you point out, would not be difficult. The Academy seems well-intentioned; insulting them this way doesn't reflect well on Dylan.

He also spoke well and generously when he showed up last year at MusiCares. The reason he didn't diss them, I suppose, was in the speech: