Introduction: “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
“That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner, first published in 1931 in the collection “These 13,” demonstrates Faulkner’s mastery of narrative technique and his ability to write haunting and poignant tale. The story’s non-linear structure, clear imagery, and exploration of themes such as racism, class, and the decline of the Old South are just a few of its good qualities. Additionally, the story’s use of multiple narrators and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships and morality make it a rich and thought-provoking read. Overall, “That Evening Sun” is a standout work of American literature that continues to captivate readers with its beauty and depth.
Main Events in “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
Part-I
- Changing Times in Jefferson
- The story portrays a shift in Jefferson’s landscape, where modern conveniences like paved streets, electric poles, and motor cars have replaced the quiet, dusty, shaded streets of the past.
- Previously, Monday mornings were bustling with Negro women carrying bundles of clothes on their heads to wash, a stark contrast to the automated laundry services of the present day.
- The narrative juxtaposes the old ways with the new, highlighting the disappearance of traditional practices like hand-washing clothes and the emergence of technological advancements.
- Nancy’s Character and Struggles
- Nancy, a central character, is depicted as a tall woman with a high, sad face, missing teeth, and a resilience born out of hardship.
- Her interactions with the white family she works for are strained, marked by racial tension and unequal power dynamics.
- Nancy’s struggles with alcoholism, poverty, and abuse are woven into the fabric of the narrative, reflecting the harsh realities faced by many African Americans during that time.
- Racial Dynamics and Social Injustice
- The story delves into the racial dynamics of the South, portraying the discrimination and exploitation faced by African Americans like Nancy.
- Instances of violence and injustice, such as Mr. Stovall’s assault on Nancy and the subsequent lack of repercussions, underscore the pervasive racism and impunity that characterized the era.
- Despite the progress symbolized by modernization, deep-rooted racial prejudices persist, perpetuating a system of oppression and inequality.
- Themes of Fear and Survival
- Fear permeates the narrative, manifesting in Nancy’s apprehension of Jesus, a threatening figure from her past.
- Nancy’s fear of the dark and her belief that Jesus is still lurking in the shadows reflect the trauma and paranoia resulting from her experiences.
- Survival becomes a recurring theme as Nancy navigates a hostile environment, relying on her resilience and instincts to endure adversity and protect herself.
- Family Dynamics and Childhood Innocence
- The story explores family dynamics through the lens of the white children’s interactions with Nancy and their parents’ attitudes towards her.
- The innocence of childhood is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of racism and violence, as the children grapple with the complexities of race and power in their interactions with Nancy and their understanding of the world around them.
- Despite their naivety, the children are not immune to the racial tensions and injustices that permeate their society, highlighting the pervasive influence of systemic racism on individuals of all ages.
Part-II
- Nancy’s Frightening Experience
- Nancy’s continued fear of Jesus, a menacing figure from her past, disrupts the household’s peace and safety.
- Despite her illness, Dilsey takes charge, insisting on cooking and maintaining the kitchen, while Nancy’s presence adds an ominous tension to the atmosphere.
- Racial Identity and Fear
- The racial tensions between Nancy, a frightened African American woman, and the white family she serves, particularly the children’s confusion and discomfort with her fear, highlight the deep-seated divisions and prejudices of the time.
- Nancy’s fear of Jesus, coupled with her resigned acceptance of her racial identity, underscores the pervasive impact of racism and violence on individuals’ lives and perceptions.
Part-III
- Nancy’s Descent into Fear and Madness
- Nancy’s deteriorating mental state is evident as she begins making strange sounds and exhibiting erratic behavior, causing concern and confusion among the family members.
- Despite Dilsey’s attempts to calm her, Nancy’s fear of Jesus and her cryptic references to past events hint at a deeper trauma that continues to haunt her.
- Family Dynamics and Racial Tensions
- The family’s interactions with Nancy underscore the racial divide and unequal power dynamics of the time, with the children’s innocence juxtaposed against their mother’s frustration and their father’s pragmatic approach to the situation.
- Nancy’s desperate plea to stay the night reflects the underlying tension between racial prejudices and human compassion, as the family grapples with their own fears and moral obligations in the face of Nancy’s distress.
Part-IV
- Desperation and Delusion
- Nancy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic as she attempts to keep the children with her, resorting to making strange sounds and futile attempts at popcorn-making to delay their departure.
- Despite her pleas and assurances of fun, Nancy’s mental state deteriorates further, evident in her tears and disconnected speech.
- Children’s Unease and Resolve
- The children, particularly Jason and Caddy, express discomfort and a desire to leave Nancy’s house, fueled by Jason’s crying and insistence on telling their father.
- Despite Nancy’s efforts to persuade them to stay, the children ultimately prioritize their safety and decide to leave, even as Nancy implores them to tell their father about the promised fun they would have had together.
Part-V&VI
- Father’s Dismissal and Nancy’s Desperation
- Father enters and dismisses Nancy’s fears, attributing them to nonsense.
- Despite his urging to lock up and go to bed, Nancy insists on the imminent danger lurking outside.
- Children’s Unease and Departure
- The children express fear and discomfort, especially Jason, who blames Caddy for their predicament.
- As they leave, Nancy remains seated by the fire, resigned to her fate and expressing her fear of the dark and anticipation of her own demise.
- Final Departure
- Despite Father’s reassurances, the children leave Nancy sitting by the fire, still making the eerie sound.
- As they depart, the children continue to express their unease and fear, with Jason accusing Caddy of being a tattletale and Caddy teasing him in return, prompting Father’s intervention.
Literary Devices in “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
| Literary Device | Example | Explanation |
| Allusion | “If Jesus is hid here, he can see us, can’t he?” | An indirect reference to Jesus, implying a sense of divine presence or protection, contrasting with the characters’ fear. |
| Anaphora | “I don’t know,” Nancy said. “I can’t do nothing.” | Repetition of the phrase “I don’t know” emphasizes Nancy’s uncertainty and helplessness in the situation. |
| Characterization | “Caddy made us come down here,” Jason said. | Reveals character traits of Caddy as assertive or possibly manipulative, contrasting with Jason’s reluctance. |
| Foreshadowing | “I’m scared for it to happen in the dark.” | Nancy’s fear of darkness foreshadows impending danger or tragedy, hinting at the ominous events to come. |
| Hyperbole | “against the sky it looked like father had two heads” | Exaggeration to emphasize the speaker’s perception, adding a surreal or comical element to the description. |
| Imagery | “From some distance down the lane we could look back…” | Vivid description of the scene, allowing readers to visualize the setting and feel the characters’ emotions as they leave Nancy behind. |
| Irony | “You’ll see what you’ll see, I reckon.” | Nancy’s response to the father’s assurance ironically hints at uncertainty and fatalism, contrasting with the father’s attempt to reassure. |
| Metaphor | “He’s not there… He went away a long time ago.” | The absence of Jesus is metaphorically compared to his physical absence, suggesting a loss of faith or guidance among the characters. |
| Onomatopoeia | “the sound that was not singing and not unsinging” | The use of sound words like “singing” and “unsinging” creates auditory imagery, describing an eerie and unsettling noise heard by the characters. |
| Paradox | “I just a nigger. It ain’t no fault of mine.” | Nancy’s resigned acceptance of her fate as a Black woman in a racist society reflects the paradox of being blamed for circumstances beyond her control. |
| Personification | “I got the sign… laying by the lamp.” | Giving human attributes to an inanimate object (the hogbone) implies a sense of agency or intention, contributing to the story’s atmosphere of dread and superstition. |
| Repetition | “Nonsense,” father said. | Repetition of the word “nonsense” emphasizes the father’s dismissal of Nancy’s fears, highlighting his skepticism and frustration. |
| Simile | “it looked like father had two heads” | A comparison using “like” to describe the father’s appearance, highlighting the surreal or bizarre nature of the scene. |
| Symbolism | “the sound that was not singing and not unsinging” | The mysterious sound symbolizes Nancy’s fear and the ominous presence of danger, adding to the story’s atmosphere of tension and foreboding. |
| Tone | “Ah, damnation,” father said. | The father’s exclamation conveys a tone of frustration or resignation, reflecting his attempt to manage a difficult and unsettling situation. |
| Alliteration | “from the cabins or the kitchens every Saturday morning” | Repetition of the “k” sound emphasizes the regularity and routine of Mr. Lovelady’s visits, adding to the sense of familiarity in the community. |
| Assonance | “I’m scared for it to happen in the dark.” | Repetition of the long “a” sound creates a sense of unease or apprehension, mirroring Nancy’s fear of darkness. |
| Dialogue | “Come along, chillen. It’s past bedtime.” | Conversation between characters, providing insight into their relationships, personalities, and the unfolding events of the story. |
| Flashback | “We would see him going along the lanes… Saturday mornings.” | Reflection on past events, recalling Mr. Lovelady’s routine visits, which adds context to the characters’ current circumstances. |
| Foil | “You’re worse,” Caddy said, “you are a tattletale.” | Jason’s fearfulness contrasts with Caddy’s assertiveness, highlighting their different personalities and roles within the story. |
Characterization in “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
Major Characters:
- Quentin Compson: The young narrator of the story, Quentin is a member of the Compson family. He is sensitive and observant, often struggling to make sense of the racial dynamics and tensions around him. Through Quentin’s perspective, readers gain insight into the complexities of race and privilege in the American South.
- Nancy: A black woman who works for the Compson family as a domestic servant. Nancy is at the center of the narrative, grappling with the fear of her estranged husband, Jesus, who she believes may harm her. Her vulnerability and the indifference she faces from those around her shed light on the harsh realities faced by African Americans in the segregated South.
- Jason Compson III: Quentin’s father and a member of the Compson family. Jason represents the white, privileged class in the story. His interactions with Nancy and Jesus reveal the deep-seated racial prejudices and power dynamics that pervade Southern society. Jason’s indifference to Nancy’s fears underscores the systemic racism and lack of empathy prevalent among the white elite.
Minor Characters:
- Jesus: Nancy’s estranged husband, whose reputation for violence and abuse instills fear in Nancy and those around her. Though he never appears directly in the story, Jesus’s presence looms large, serving as a symbol of the physical and emotional threats faced by African Americans in the Jim Crow South.
- Mrs. Compson: Jason’s wife and Quentin’s mother, Mrs. Compson epitomizes the privileged class’s detachment from the struggles of African Americans. Her lack of concern for Nancy’s safety reflects the prevailing attitudes of racial superiority and indifference among the white elite.
- Dilsey: The Compsons’ loyal black servant, Dilsey offers a contrasting perspective to the white characters in the story. Through her interactions with Quentin and Nancy, Dilsey provides insight into the experiences of African Americans navigating the oppressive social structures of the South. Her resilience and compassion highlight the strength and humanity of marginalized communities in the face of adversity.
- Luster: Dilsey’s grandson and a member of the Compson household staff, Luster accompanies Quentin on his journey to deliver a note to Nancy. Luster’s youthful innocence and curiosity offer a glimpse into the next generation’s potential for change and progress in the fight against racial injustice.
Major Themes in “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
- Race and Racial Tensions: Faulkner’s exploration of race and racial tensions is central to the story. Set in the Jim Crow South, “That Evening Sun” vividly depicts the pervasive racial hierarchy and discrimination faced by African Americans. The character of Nancy, a black woman who fears for her life at the hands of her abusive husband, symbolizes the vulnerability and oppression experienced by marginalized communities. Faulkner highlights the systemic racism ingrained in Southern society, exposing the brutality and injustice perpetuated against African Americans.
- Fear and Paranoia: Fear permeates the narrative, driving the actions and perceptions of the characters. Nancy’s palpable fear of her estranged husband, Jesus, underscores the constant threat of violence and danger faced by African Americans in the South. The Compson family’s fear of becoming entangled in Nancy’s troubles reflects the pervasive anxiety surrounding racial tensions and the consequences of crossing societal boundaries. Faulkner skillfully explores the psychological impact of fear on individuals and communities, illuminating its corrosive effects on relationships and perceptions.
- Power and Privilege: Power dynamics and privilege play a significant role in shaping the interactions and attitudes of the characters in “That Evening Sun.” The Compson family, as members of the white elite, wield social and economic power over their black servants, reinforcing racial hierarchies and inequalities. Jason Compson III’s indifference to Nancy’s plight highlights the callousness and entitlement of the privileged class, emphasizing their complicity in perpetuating injustice. Faulkner exposes the inherent injustices of a society built on racial oppression, challenging readers to confront their own privilege and complicity.
- Moral Ambiguity and Complicity: Faulkner explores the moral ambiguity and complicity of individuals in the face of injustice and suffering. Through characters like Quentin, who grapples with his own complicity in Nancy’s plight, Faulkner reveals the complexities of moral decision-making in a deeply flawed society. The moral ambiguity of the Compson family, torn between self-preservation and empathy, reflects the moral dilemmas inherent in navigating systems of oppression. Faulkner’s nuanced portrayal of characters wrestling with their own moral culpability invites readers to reflect on their own ethical responsibilities in the face of injustice.
Writing Style in “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
- Stream-of-Consciousness Technique: Faulkner employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, particularly through the perspective of the young narrator, Quentin Compson. This technique allows Faulkner to delve deeply into Quentin’s thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of his inner world. Quentin’s stream of consciousness reveals his internal conflicts, anxieties, and attempts to make sense of the racial tensions and moral complexities surrounding him.
- Multiple Perspectives: Faulkner often shifts between different narrative perspectives, offering insights into the minds of various characters. Through these multiple perspectives, Faulkner creates a multifaceted depiction of the story’s events, highlighting the subjective nature of truth and perception. This technique adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to see the same events from different angles and understand the complexities of each character’s motivations and experiences.
- Symbolism and Imagery: Faulkner’s writing is rich in symbolism and imagery, which imbue the narrative with layers of meaning and emotion. From the evocative descriptions of the Mississippi landscape to the symbolic significance of objects like the sun and shadows, Faulkner’s imagery serves to enhance the thematic resonance of the story. Through his use of symbolism and imagery, Faulkner creates a sensory experience for readers, immersing them in the world of the story and inviting deeper reflection on its themes and motifs.
- Unconventional Narrative Structure: Faulkner often employs unconventional narrative structures, such as nonlinear storytelling and fragmented chronology, to convey the complexities of his characters’ experiences and the interconnectedness of past and present. In “That Evening Sun,” Faulkner weaves together different temporal strands, blending memories, reflections, and present-day events to create a mosaic-like narrative that mirrors the fractured nature of human consciousness and memory.
- Southern Dialect and Vernacular: Faulkner captures the rhythms and cadences of Southern speech through his use of dialect and vernacular dialogue. The characters in “That Evening Sun” speak in a distinctively Southern idiom, with its own unique syntax, vocabulary, and colloquialisms. Faulkner’s attention to dialect adds authenticity to the narrative, grounding it in the cultural and linguistic milieu of the American South.
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
| Literary Theory | Interpretation | Example from the Text |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Focuses on the psychological motivations and unconscious desires of characters, exploring themes of repression, trauma, and identity. | Faulkner’s portrayal of Quentin’s inner turmoil and conflicted emotions reflects the psychological complexities of his character. For instance, Quentin’s stream-of-consciousness narration reveals his anxieties about race, sexuality, and morality, offering insight into his subconscious fears and desires. |
| Feminist Criticism | Examines the representation of gender roles, power dynamics, and female agency within the text, often highlighting instances of sexism, patriarchy, and marginalization. | Nancy’s character embodies the vulnerability and oppression faced by black women in the Jim Crow South. Her fear of her abusive husband, Jesus, and the Compson family’s indifference to her plight underscore the intersecting forces of racism and misogyny that shape her experiences. Faulkner’s portrayal of Nancy’s struggles exposes the systemic injustices endured by women of color in a patriarchal society. |
| Marxist Criticism | Analyzes social class structures, economic inequalities, and power dynamics within the text, exploring themes of exploitation, alienation, and resistance. | The Compson family’s privileged position within Southern society highlights the economic disparities and class divisions inherent in the Jim Crow South. Their indifference to Nancy’s suffering reflects the callousness of the ruling class towards the plight of the working poor. Through characters like Dilsey and Nancy, Faulkner exposes the exploitation and marginalization faced by African Americans and the working class, inviting readers to question the legitimacy of the existing social order. |
Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
| Topic | Questions | Thesis Statements |
| Racial Tensions and Injustice | 1. How does Faulkner depict the racial hierarchy and discrimination in the story? | Faulkner’s “That Evening Sun” explores the pervasive racial tensions and injustices faced by African Americans in the Jim Crow South, revealing the systemic racism and violence that permeated Southern society. |
| 2. What role do fear and power play in perpetuating racial oppression? | Through characters like Nancy and the Compson family, Faulkner illustrates how fear, power, and privilege intersect to reinforce racial inequalities and perpetuate injustice. | |
| Gender Dynamics and Marginalization | 1. How are gender roles and power dynamics portrayed in the narrative? | Faulkner’s portrayal of characters like Nancy and Mrs. Compson highlights the intersecting forces of racism and misogyny, shedding light on the marginalization and vulnerability experienced by women in the Jim Crow South. |
| 2. What insights does the story offer into the experiences of black women? | “That Evening Sun” provides a poignant depiction of the struggles faced by black women in the segregated South, exposing the intersectional oppression they endure and the resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity. | |
| Moral Ambiguity and Complicity | 1. How do characters navigate moral dilemmas and ethical responsibilities? | Faulkner’s narrative explores the moral ambiguity and complicity of individuals in the face of injustice, prompting readers to reflect on their own ethical responsibilities and complicity within oppressive systems. |
| 2. What does the story reveal about the complexities of morality and culpability? | Through characters like Quentin and the Compson family, Faulkner confronts readers with the complexities of moral decision-making in a society marked by racism, fear, and inequality, challenging simplistic notions of right and wrong. | |
| Symbolism and Imagery | 1. How does Faulkner use symbolism and imagery to convey thematic motifs? | Faulkner employs rich symbolism and evocative imagery throughout “That Evening Sun” to deepen thematic resonance and enhance readers’ understanding of the story’s complexities and implications. |
| 2. What are some key symbols in the narrative, and what do they represent? | Symbols like the evening sun, shadows, and the dilapidated cabin serve as potent metaphors for themes of fear, oppression, and resilience, inviting readers to contemplate their symbolic significance and thematic implications. |
Short Questions/Answers about/on “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
- What is the central conflict in “That Evening Sun”? The central conflict revolves around Nancy’s fear of her estranged husband, Jesus, who she believes may harm her. Nancy’s terror permeates the narrative, driving much of the tension and apprehension felt by the characters. This conflict highlights the pervasive fear and violence experienced by African Americans in the Jim Crow South, as well as the indifference and complicity of those in positions of privilege.
- How does Faulkner explore the theme of racial inequality in “That Evening Sun”? Faulkner vividly portrays the racial hierarchy and discrimination prevalent in the Jim Crow South through the experiences of characters like Nancy and the Compson family. The story exposes the systemic racism ingrained in Southern society, revealing the stark disparities in power, privilege, and justice along racial lines. Through nuanced characterizations and evocative imagery, Faulkner confronts readers with the harsh realities of racial injustice and oppression.
- What role does the setting play in “That Evening Sun”? The setting of the story, a small town in the American South during the early 20th century, serves as a potent backdrop for Faulkner’s exploration of race, fear, and morality. The oppressive atmosphere of the segregated South permeates the narrative, heightening the sense of tension and unease. The dilapidated cabin where Nancy resides becomes a symbol of her vulnerability and isolation, reflecting the harsh realities faced by African Americans in a society marked by racial prejudice and violence.
- How does Quentin’s perspective shape the reader’s understanding of “That Evening Sun”? As the narrator, Quentin Compson provides readers with a lens through which to view the events of the story. His youthful innocence and sensitivity offer a poignant contrast to the dark and complex themes explored in the narrative. Through Quentin’s perspective, readers gain insight into the psychological and emotional impact of the racial tensions and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Faulkner’s use of Quentin’s stream-of-consciousness narration invites readers to empathize with his struggles to comprehend the complexities of race, fear, and morality in the Jim Crow South.
Literary Works Similar to “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
- “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty: Explores race and resilience in the rural South through the journey of an elderly African American woman.
- “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” by Flannery O’Connor: Examines morality and human relationships in the Southern Gothic tradition.
- “The Flowering Judas” by Katherine Anne Porter: Explores betrayal and cultural conflict in post-revolutionary Mexico.
- “Blood-Burning Moon” by Jean Toomer: Tackles race, desire, and violence in the Jim Crow South through interconnected lives.
- “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston: Delves into love, betrayal, and forgiveness in a vibrant African American community in Florida.
Suggested Readings about/on “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
- Books:
- Faulkner, William. The Complete Stories of William Faulkner. Vintage, 1995.
- Brooks, Cleanth. William Faulkner: The Yoknapatawpha Country. Louisiana State University Press, 1963.
- Articles:
- Abadie, Ann J., editor. “Faulkner and the Southern Renaissance.” University Press of Mississippi, 1982.
- Hiles, Randolph. “Faulkner and the Natural World.” University of Alabama Press, 2018.
- Web Links:
- Bickham, Scott. “Race and the Public Sphere in William Faulkner’s ‘That Evening Sun.'” Southern Literary Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, 2012, pp. 1-21. www.jstor.org/stable/23347267
- Miller, Gavin James. “Dark Laughter and Haunting Melodies: Faulkner’s ‘That Evening Sun.'” The Mississippi Quarterly, vol. 59, no. 1/2, 2005, pp. 231-244. www.jstor.org/stable/20172689.
Representative Quotations from “That Evening Sun” by William Faulkner
| Quotation | Context | Theorization |
| “Monday is no different from any other weekday in Jefferson now…” | In this passage, Faulkner describes the changes in Jefferson over time, reflecting the increasing urbanization and modernization of the town. The once quaint and bustling streets are now characterized by the intrusion of technology and the loss of traditional ways of life. | This quote exemplifies Faulkner’s exploration of the theme of societal change and its impact on individuals and communities, reflecting broader shifts in Southern society during the early 20th century. |
| “Nancy would set her bundle on the top of her head, then upon the bundle in turn she would set the black straw sailor hat which she wore winter and summer…” | Faulkner vividly describes Nancy, a central character in the story, and her daily routine of carrying laundry. Nancy’s appearance and actions symbolize her resilience and stoicism in the face of adversity, as well as the burdens she carries as a black woman in the Jim Crow South. | This quotation highlights Faulkner’s use of imagery and symbolism to convey the experiences and inner life of his characters, underscoring the themes of race, gender, and socioeconomic inequality. |
| “So after a while we quit chunking the cabin and went back home…” | The narrator recounts a childhood memory of taunting Nancy’s cabin until she emerges. This passage illustrates the casual racism and cruelty of the white children towards Nancy, emphasizing the racial divide and power dynamics within the community. | Faulkner employs this scene to explore the theme of racial prejudice and its psychological and emotional effects on both the victims and perpetrators, shedding light on the pervasive racism ingrained in Southern society. |
| “That was how she lost her teeth, and all that day they told about Nancy and Mr Stovall…” | This passage describes the violent altercation between Nancy and Mr. Stovall, a white man who refuses to pay her. The incident highlights the systemic racism and economic exploitation faced by African Americans, as well as the physical and psychological toll of racial violence and injustice. | Through this quotation, Faulkner exposes the brutal realities of racial violence and economic exploitation in the Jim Crow South, underscoring the intersecting forces of racism, sexism, and classism that shape the lives of marginalized individuals. |
| “It never come off of your vine, though,” Nancy said… | Nancy and Jesus exchange heated words, revealing the tensions and power struggles within their relationship. Nancy’s retort challenges Jesus’ authority and asserts her agency, while also highlighting the gendered dynamics and patriarchal norms that govern their interactions. | Faulkner uses this dialogue to explore the complexities of gender and power within African American communities, highlighting the ways in which individuals negotiate and resist social hierarchies and expectations in the face of oppression. |
| “I ain’t nothing but a nigger,” Nancy said. “It ain’t none of my fault.” | Nancy expresses resignation and despair in response to her marginalized status and the injustices she faces. Her words reflect the internalized racism and powerlessness experienced by many African Americans in the Jim Crow South, as well as the dehumanizing effects of systemic oppression. | This quotation underscores Faulkner’s exploration of the psychological and emotional toll of racial discrimination and societal marginalization, highlighting the ways in which individuals grapple with their own identity and agency within oppressive systems. |
| “He quit me,” Nancy said. “Done gone to Memphis, I reckon. Dodging them city police for a while, I reckon.” | Nancy reveals Jesus’ departure and her fears of his return, underscoring the cycle of violence and instability in her life. Her resignation to Jesus’ absence reflects the pervasive fear and vulnerability experienced by African American women in the face of male violence and abandonment. | Through Nancy’s words, Faulkner portrays the cyclical nature of trauma and instability within marginalized communities, highlighting the ways in which individuals navigate and endure systemic oppression and interpersonal violence in their everyday lives. |