Racism Reflects Upon Joe Christmas’ Tragic Fall

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Recommended: Racism and literature

Racism affects and influences society no matter the time period. This idea of certain races possessing characteristics that go beyond others, that have superiority over others, idealizes society as a whole. Authors grasp racism and base their opinions of the controversial topics into their literary works. William Faulkner utilizes this idea by breaking down Joe Christmas in Light in August, and forces him through struggles because of racism. Faulkner reflects upon racism found within the Southern society of the time period through Joe Christmas’ inability to connect with black and white communities, dooming him to the perimeter of society where he lacks an identity and leading him to his tragic fall.

William Faulkner utilizes Joe Christmas’ struggles to emphasize the biased and racial prejudices found within the South during the time period of writing Light in August. Joe Christmas becomes completely displaced from the South after the murder of Joanna Burden. This quote signifies the persecution he would face if he stayed behind: "He was sick after that. He did not know until then that there were white women who would take a man with a black skin. He stayed sick for two years (...) He was in the north now, in Chicago and then Detroit” (Faulkner 225). Joe had to run to escape the racism of the South, mainly because of the judgment coming from society that disagrees with the relationship of Joe and Miss Burden. An apparent, black man involved in a sexual relationship with a white woman is frowned upon within the South, which causes Joe to flee. This tires Joe, forces him to depression, and adds insult to injury in his harsh situation; mostly caused by the racial prejudices found within the South.

In analysis of Light in August...

... middle of paper ...

...ter being isolated, Joe Christmas breaks down and eventually falls.

In final analysis, Joe Christmas becomes influenced and affected by racism found in the South during the time period Faulkner wrote the novel. Due to the fact that Joe contains mixed blood from both blacks and whites, both communities, who are misconceived to the real background of him, shun and disapprove of Joe. The isolation and segregation from society leads to his tragic fall because he is unable to define himself due to his unquestionable past. Therefore, it is clear that William Faulkner uses Joe Christmas as an example to the major effects racism plays on society and human beings. Racism over time always changes, and authors realize this; American and European literature will always reflect upon racism in the time period, which creates a better understanding of racial struggles in society.

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