William Faulkner weaves a complex story of the investigation of the murder of Miss Joanna Burden through flashbacks, characters memories, and conscious and subconscious thoughts in his novel Light in August. Faulkner’s use of Christmas’ backstory and choices to show that man’s unacceptance and inconsistency leads to isolation. Joe Christmas’ journey into isolation is initiated by external pressure and beliefs very early in his childhood at the orphanage. There is where he discovers the most influential ‘fact’ of his life; he is “part nigger” (). Christmas’ belief that he has some quantity of Negro blood controls every aspect of his life. His belief motivates his actions and thus affects every step of his journey. Yet, his heritage is
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The devoutly religious and stern Mr. McEachern fits into Christmas’ view of the order of the world. Punishment must follow transgression. On the other hand, Mrs. McEachern attempts to soften Mr. McEachern’s blows and be a motherly, comforting figure to Christmas. Christmas resents her compassionate spirit because she contradicts his set belief in the order of life. Mrs. McEachern tries to comfort Christmas with some food because he went without meals all day at the hands of Mr. McEachern. Instead of graciously receiving the food, Christmas throws the food on the ground. When Christmas’ belief in the order of the world is challenged, he acts out. Another example of his acting out happens after he runs away from the McEachern family. Christmas sleeps with many different ladies along the road. Each night, he would tell her that he was part Negro. Christmas would then get thrown out and get out of paying. One night, the lady does not care that Christmas is part Negro. The expected pattern is disturbed by her reaction, so he acts out by beating her. His search for order further isolates him from those around him. These moments of utter misconduct stems from his unconscious resistance to a change in order and identity, and they ultimately lead him into
The devoutly religious and stern Mr. McEachern fits into Christmas’ view of the order of the world. Punishment must follow transgression. On the other hand, Mrs. McEachern attempts to soften Mr. McEachern’s blows and be a motherly, comforting figure to Christmas. Christmas resents her compassionate spirit because she contradicts his set belief in the order of life. Mrs. McEachern tries to comfort Christmas with some food because he went without meals all day at the hands of Mr. McEachern. Instead of graciously receiving the food, Christmas throws the food on the ground. When Christmas’ belief in the order of the world is challenged, he acts out. Another example of his acting out happens after he runs away from the McEachern family. Christmas sleeps with many different ladies along the road. Each night, he would tell her that he was part Negro. Christmas would then get thrown out and get out of paying. One night, the lady does not care that Christmas is part Negro. The expected pattern is disturbed by her reaction, so he acts out by beating her. His search for order further isolates him from those around him. These moments of utter misconduct stems from his unconscious resistance to a change in order and identity, and they ultimately lead him into