The plot intricacies of William Faulkner’s Light in August bring about complexities in interpretation, as to fully digest the novel requires a multifaceted approach. The theme which underlies the entirety of the novel is man’s desire to live through himself while still acknowledging his inherent responsibility to his fellow man. Additionally, there is a steady juxtaposition between the isolation of man and his role within a community. These realities are not excluding of each other. The feelings of detachment that fall upon each character serve to further augment the struggles to be had for fulfillment within social circles and within the individual. Isolation is not only a disagreeable reality brought upon the characters, but it flows
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In the beginning, the lack of belonging spawned from forces out of his reach. His Calvinistic tendencies sparked a marriage with an individual whom he felt a lack of passion for, and gave him a commitment to life which halted the “wheel” of tragic recurrence (Lind). He struggles with a split view of his grandfather, one which portrays a courageous man on horseback and another which envisions the figure being shot, possibly by a woman. Lena’s presence gives Hightower assurance that the past is not something to be bartered. Faulkner himself clearly believes that it is the past which determines the present (Hungerford). Thus, Hightower can not become a moral exemplar until he effectively comes to terms with himself and his fellow man, recognizing the responsibilities he bears. Initially, the appeal of Byron and Hightower’s relationship is a mutual isolation. Until the time following Lena’s birth, Hightower struggles to maintain this sense and attempts to advise Byron to follow suit, although Byron’s involvement extends too far. Hightower feels a consistent fear of further sense of community involvement once he is asked to lie in a way so as to benefit Joe Christmas. The refusal he provides is manifestation of his remaining desire to stay an isolated
In the beginning, the lack of belonging spawned from forces out of his reach. His Calvinistic tendencies sparked a marriage with an individual whom he felt a lack of passion for, and gave him a commitment to life which halted the “wheel” of tragic recurrence (Lind). He struggles with a split view of his grandfather, one which portrays a courageous man on horseback and another which envisions the figure being shot, possibly by a woman. Lena’s presence gives Hightower assurance that the past is not something to be bartered. Faulkner himself clearly believes that it is the past which determines the present (Hungerford). Thus, Hightower can not become a moral exemplar until he effectively comes to terms with himself and his fellow man, recognizing the responsibilities he bears. Initially, the appeal of Byron and Hightower’s relationship is a mutual isolation. Until the time following Lena’s birth, Hightower struggles to maintain this sense and attempts to advise Byron to follow suit, although Byron’s involvement extends too far. Hightower feels a consistent fear of further sense of community involvement once he is asked to lie in a way so as to benefit Joe Christmas. The refusal he provides is manifestation of his remaining desire to stay an isolated