Book Review – 69 – Absalom, Absalom! By William Faulkner

Book Review – 69 – Absalom, Absalom! By William Faulkner

Title: Absalom, Absalom! Author: William Faulkner. Publication Details: Originally published in 1936 by Random House. Genre: Southern Gothic, Modernist Fiction.

Introduction

Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner is widely regarded as one of the most intricate and ambitious works in American literature. Published in 1936, the novel is a cornerstone of Faulkner’s exploration of the American South, depicting its moral decay and cultural struggles in the aftermath of the Civil War. At its heart, the book is a tale of ambition, pride, family, race and the inescapable burden of history. Faulkner’s portrayal of the rise and fall of Thomas Sutpen’s dynasty not only reflects the personal tragedies of its characters but also serves as an allegory for the South’s broader societal collapse.

The novel’s brilliance lies in its ability to weave a deeply layered narrative that questions the nature of truth and memory. Through multiple narrators and conflicting perspectives, Faulkner immerses readers in the tumultuous, fractured realities of the South, challenging them to piece together the full scope of Sutpen’s story. Absalom, Absalom! is more than a tale of one man’s ambition; it is a profound commentary on the destructive legacies of racism, greed and unbridled ambition, making it a timeless literary masterpiece.

Summary of the Plot

The story of Absalom, Absalom! is recounted through a series of narrators, each offering their perspective on the enigmatic life of Thomas Sutpen. Born into poverty in the early 19th century, he rises to prominence by sheer determination and ruthless ambition. Leaving his humble beginnings behind, he moves to Mississippi, where he acquires land and builds a grand plantation, Sutpen’s Hundred, with the singular goal of establishing a dynasty that would endure for generations.

His quest for power and legacy, however, is fraught with moral compromises and personal betrayals. His marriage to Ellen Coldfield is a calculated move to secure social standing, but his treatment of her and their children is cold and utilitarian. The eventual unraveling of his family begins when Sutpen disowns his first son, Charles Bon, after discovering that Bon has mixed racial heritage. This act of rejection sets off a chain of tragic events that lead to the destruction of Sutpen’s dream.

The narrative is primarily pieced together through the perspectives of Quentin Compson, a young Southerner grappling with the weight of his region’s history; Rosa Coldfield, Sutpen’s sister-in-law, who harbors deep resentment towards him and other characters who knew Sutpen or his family. Each perspective adds layers of complexity to the tale, revealing Sutpen as both a visionary and a deeply flawed man.

By the end of the novel, Sutpen’s Hundred is reduced to ruins, a stark symbol of the futility of his ambitions. His family is left shattered and his legacy is one of betrayal, heartbreak and unfulfilled dreams. Faulkner’s narrative underscores the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the inescapable influence of history on personal and collective lives.

Analysis of Themes

Ambition and Pride: Thomas Sutpen's life is defined by his obsessive pursuit of what he calls his "design"— a grand vision of establishing a dynasty that will endure through the ages. This ambition, while initially impressive, reveals its darker side as Sutpen sacrifices morality, relationships and even basic humanity to achieve his goals. His calculated marriage to Ellen Coldfield, his exploitation of enslaved labor and his ruthless rejection of his son Charles Bon exemplifies how unchecked ambition and pride can lead to moral and personal collapse. Faulkner uses Sutpen’s downfall as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of excessive ambition, showing that the pursuit of power without ethical consideration ultimately leads to ruin.

Race and Class: Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom! explores the pervasive racial hierarchies and social stratification of the South before the Civil War. Sutpen's rise to prominence is rooted in his rejection of his impoverished beginnings but his ambition to transcend class boundaries is limited by the rigid social and racial structures of the South. The rejection of Charles Bon, Sutpen’s mixed-race son, underscores the tragic intersection of race and legacy. Faulkner critiques the South's hypocritical social order, which enforces divisions based on race and class while ignoring the humanity of those it marginalizes. Sutpen’s inability to reconcile these divides plays a significant role in his ultimate failure, illustrating the South’s moral and social disintegration.

Family and Legacy: Sutpen’s obsession with establishing a lasting legacy is central to the novel’s exploration of family dynamics. For Sutpen, family becomes a means to an end— a tool to solidify his power and prestige. This utilitarian view of relationships ultimately destroys the bonds that should sustain his dream. His estrangement from Charles Bon, the emotional devastation of his daughter Judith and the alienation of his sister-in-law Rosa Coldfield highlight the destructive consequences of prioritizing legacy over love and connection. Faulkner interrogates the meaning of family, showing that a legacy built on manipulation and selfishness is destined to crumble.

The Weight of History: The novel portrays history as an omnipresent force that shapes the lives and identities of individuals and communities. Through the fragmented narrative, Faulkner emphasizes how the past lingers in memory, influencing the present and future. The narrators, particularly Quentin Compson, grapple with their own connections to Sutpen's story, revealing the inescapable burden of Southern history. Faulkner’s depiction of history is cyclical and haunting, suggesting that the South’s inability to confront its past perpetuates its struggles with identity and morality.

Style and Structure

Narrative Style

Faulkner employs a fragmented, non-linear narrative structure that challenges the reader to piece together the story of Thomas Sutpen. The events of the novel are recounted through multiple narrators, including Quentin Compson, Rosa Coldfield and Mr. Compson, each offering a subjective perspective on Sutpen’s life. This narrative approach mirrors the novel’s exploration of truth and memory, emphasizing the difficulty of reconstructing the past with complete accuracy. The layered storytelling creates a sense of mystery and complexity, inviting readers to actively engage with the text to uncover the full scope of Sutpen’s tragedy. By presenting multiple viewpoints, Faulkner highlights the subjective nature of history and the biases inherent in personal accounts.

Language and Tone

Faulkner’s prose in Absalom, Absalom! is renowned for its density and lyricism. His long, intricate sentences often mimic the flow of thought, immersing readers in the inner worlds of the characters. The language is rich with symbolism and metaphor, reflecting the novel’s deeper themes of ambition, history and morality. Faulkner’s tone is reflective and somber, reinforcing the inevitability of Sutpen’s downfall and the broader tragedy of the South. This combination of dense language and introspective tone creates a powerful and immersive reading experience, though it may also present challenges for readers unfamiliar with Faulkner’s style.

Faulkner’s innovative use of language and structure elevates Absalom, Absalom! beyond a simple narrative, transforming it into a profound meditation on the human condition and the complexities of history. These stylistic choices not only enhance the novel’s thematic depth but also solidify its place as one of the most ambitious and enduring works of American literature.

Critical Evaluation

Strengths

Complex Themes: One of the most remarkable aspects of Absalom, Absalom! is its ability to seamlessly weave together intricate themes of race, ambition, family and history. Faulkner’s deep understanding of Southern culture and its historical context allows him to craft a narrative that not only examines the individual psyche but also critiques societal structures. The novel’s exploration of issues like the destructive nature of ambition, the hypocrisy of racial hierarchies, and the enduring impact of history provides readers with a nuanced and thought-provoking experience.

Innovative Structure: The fragmented and multi-layered narrative structure of the novel is both a challenge and a triumph. By employing multiple narrators with differing perspectives, Faulkner creates a kaleidoscopic view of Thomas Sutpen’s life and the South’s history. This non-linear storytelling mirrors the nature of memory and highlights the subjectivity of truth. While demanding, the structure rewards readers with a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and the complexities of human perception.

Rich Characterization: Faulkner’s characters are deeply flawed yet strikingly human, making them compelling and relatable despite their moral failings. Thomas Sutpen’s ambition, Rosa Coldfield’s bitterness and Quentin Compson’s introspection all reflect the broader struggles of identity, pride and the burden of history. Each character is crafted with depth and nuance, allowing readers to engage with their motivations and struggles on a profound level. Faulkner’s ability to create such multifaceted characters ensures that the novel resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Weaknesses

Dense Prose: Faulkner’s writing style, while undeniably beautiful, is characterized by long, complex sentences and elaborate descriptions. This density can make the novel challenging to read, especially for those unfamiliar with his style. Readers may find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of detail, which can obscure the narrative’s central events. Although rewarding for patient readers, the prose may alienate those seeking a more accessible reading experience.

Non-linear Narrative: The novel’s non-linear structure, while innovative, can be disorienting for readers. The shifting perspectives and timelines require careful attention, and it can be difficult to piece together the full story without significant effort. This complexity, while enriching the narrative for some, may deter casual readers who prefer a more straightforward plot. Additionally, the reliance on unreliable narrators adds another layer of ambiguity that may frustrate those seeking clear answers.

Conclusion

Absalom, Absalom! stands as a towering achievement in the canon of American literature, a testament to William Faulkner’s unparalleled skill as a writer and storyteller. The novel’s exploration of the South’s moral and social collapse is haunting, thought-provoking and deeply relevant. Through the rise and fall of Thomas Sutpen’s dynasty, Faulkner examines the destructive forces of ambition, pride and racial prejudice, creating a narrative that is as timeless as it is challenging.

While the novel’s dense prose and fragmented structure may present obstacles, these very qualities also contribute to its depth and complexity, offering a richly rewarding experience for readers willing to engage with its intricacies. Absalom, Absalom! is not merely a story about one man or one family— it is a profound meditation on the human condition, the inescapable weight of history, and the fragile nature of truth. Faulkner’s work remains a cornerstone of modernist fiction, a masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire readers around the world. 

References

1. Faulkner, William. Absalom, Absalom! New York: Random House, 1936.

2. Bleikasten, André. The Ink of Melancholy: Faulkner’s Novels from The Sound and the Fury to Light in August. Indiana University Press, 1990.

3. Millgate, Michael. The Achievement of William Faulkner. University of Georgia Press, 1989.

4. Waggoner, Hyatt H. William Faulkner: From Jefferson to the World. University Press of Kentucky, 1959.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main theme of William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom!?

The novel delves into several interconnected themes, including ambition, pride, the destructive effects of racism, the dynamics of family and legacy, and the inescapable weight of history. Faulkner masterfully explores how these themes shape individual lives and societal structures.

How does William Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! reflect Southern history?

The novel critiques the social and racial hierarchies of the antebellum South, portraying its legacy of exploitation, hypocrisy and moral decay. Through Sutpen’s story, Faulkner examines the South’s failure to reconcile its ideals with its historical reality, offering a stark reflection on the region’s struggles with its identity and past.