William Faulkner
William Faulkner wrote many stories depicting society during the early twentieth century. In his stories "Barn Burning" and "A Rose for Emily," Faulkner discusses how rich whites mistreat the tenant farmers who in turn abuse the blacks, tells about Colonel Sartoris Snopes's dilemma when his father wants him to lie, and explains how Emily was mistreated by men. Through his works, Faulkner discusses society of the pre-Depression era by explaining the class distinction, adulteration of morals, and subordination of women in order to show the corruption of the American dream. In "Barn Burning," Faulkner places an emphasis on the separation of social classes. Abner Scopes, a white tenant farmer, takes on a air of superiority when talking to a black servant. However, Scopes neglects the fact that he is poor compared to the servant. He degrades the servant, telling him, "Get out of my way, nigger" (Faulkner 1625). His command to the servant depicts how the tenants viewed themselves as better than the blacks. When he enters the house, Scopes further insults the servant by explaining the difference between blacks and whites when he says, "That's sweat. Nigger sweat. Maybe it ain't white enough yet to suit him. Maybe he wants t
Faulkner also describes the subordination of women in his work "A Rose for Emily." Miss Emily loses her father and her one sweetheart deserted her. However, Faulkner gives the reader a glimpse into her dependence on the male figures in her life. Using Colonel Sartoris as the narrator, the author explains to the reader that the only central figures in Emily's life are males. He states, "We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her, as people will" (460). Emily has nothing left once the men from her life are gone. Faulkner once again depicts the unfairness of the American dream by showing that women are dependent upon the men in their lives. o mix some white sweat with it" (1626). Through this quotation, Faulkner is explaining Scopes's view that blacks and whites are not equal. Moreover, the issue of landowners feeling superior to tenant farmers is also mentioned in "Barn Burning." Major de Spain, the owner of the house, shows his haughtiness over Scopes by boasting about his wealth. After Scopes ruins de Spain's rug, the Major states, "You must realize you have ruined that rug. . . It costs a hundred dollars. But you never had a hundred dollars. You never will" (1627). Faul
Some common words found in the essay are:
Abner Scopes, Colonel Sartoris, Burning Major, Sartoris Snopes's, Emily Faulkner, Faulkner American, Miss Emily, Burning Faulkner, William Faulkner, colonel sartoris, Barn Burning, barn burning, american dream, abner scopes, faulkner discusses, subordination women, rose emily, class distinction, tenant farmers, discusses society pre-depression, era explaining, explains emily mistreated, faulkner discusses society, society pre-depression era, lie explains emily,
Approximate Word count = 874
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
