Absalom, Absalom

The novel explores the theme of the South’s decline after the Civil War. How does Faulkner use character relationships, plot developments, and symbolism to illustrate the changing social and economic landscape of the South during this period?

Absalom, Absalom! is a prominent work in the Southern Gothic genre. What elements of Southern Gothic can you identify in the novel, and how do they contribute to the eerie, atmospheric quality of the story?

One of the central characters in the novel, Thomas Sutpen, is both a captivating and enigmatic figure. How do Sutpen’s life and actions reflect the broader themes of ambition, race, and legacy in the story? What literary devices does Faulkner employ to characterize Sutpen?

Faulkner is known for his intricate and poetic prose. Can you identify specific passages or quotes that stand out in terms of language, symbolism, or imagery? How do these passages contribute to the overall impact of the novel?

The concept of ghostly memories or hauntings is recurring in the novel. How does the idea of a ghost—whether of a person or a particular era—relate to the characters’ destinies and the larger historical context? What is the significance of ghosts within the narrative?

In Absalom, Absalom! the question of racial identity and prejudice plays a significant role. How do characters like Charles Bon, Clytie, and Miss Rosa grapple with issues of race, and what do their experiences reveal about the South’s racial tensions during this period?

The novel is steeped in Southern history and culture. What historical events and societal norms from the post-Civil War South are portrayed in the story, and how do they shape the characters’ actions and beliefs?

Absalom, Absalom! raises questions about the idea of inherited guilt and the burden of the past. How do the characters in the novel deal with their family legacies and the sins of their ancestors, and how does this relate to broader themes in the novel?