Light in August

Throughout Light in August, Faulkner examines many themes pertinent to my research: the heavy burdens of the past, characters with confused identities, and racism. Many of the main characters—Lena, Joe Christmas, and Hightower—are also, in different ways, isolated from society. Joe’s ambiguous identity torments him, and also robs him of finding any true meaning in his life. Lena remains steadfast in her determination to find the father of her child, despite her naivety and idealistic intentions. Furthermore, Hightower hides from the past by virtually becoming a recluse; he desires something completely different than Joe Christmas.

The past also continually haunts the characters throughout the novel. Joe Christmas’ confusion surrounding his race prevents him from identifying with any group. He seems to be perpetually on the run, moving from white societies that cannot empathize with those of the African American race. Although Christmas is assumed to be black, he has no information confirming that he belongs to that racial group. Likewise, Joanna and Hightower represent two characters whose past continues to define their present status in society. Hightower is not only forever in the shadow of his heroic grandfather, but also continues to dote over his wife’s death. On the other hand, Joanna’s abolitionist past earns her the reputation of an African American sympathizer, which is a trait that Hightower also shares.

Light in August also exposes the oppression of key minorities that I am looking at this summer. Although it is not certain that Joe Christmas is black, he appears different in the eyes of society, and that is enough to subject him to racially motivated abuse. The “one drop” rule seems to be a common theme throughout the works that I have read this summer, and it certainly proves true in this case, also. If a person appeared to be any part black, then they were immediately labeled as African American. The character of Lena also represents the quintessential innocent woman, who is taken advantage of by a man and quickly abandoned. It is also of interest to note the homoeroticism present in the character of Joe Christmas. His relationships with women are highly atypical. Indeed, he seems to result to violence whenever he is patronized.