4 Light in August, Ch 7-8

1. Abnegation: denial - the act of refusing to comply (as with a request) -Free Online Dictionary

Page 148: "They went on, in steady single file, the two backs in their rigid abnegation of all compromise more alike than actual blood could have made them."


2. In chapters seven and eight Joe's younger life is explored in more detail. The section begins with Joe at eight years old, being whipped by McEachern for not memorizing his catechism. After Joe passes out, McEachern seems to feel bad but refuses to back down, trying to make the child pray for forgiveness upon waking. Mrs. McEachern attempts to be kind to Joe but he refuses her attempts, confused and hostile toward her. At age fourteen Joe goes to see a black girl with other boys, intending to have intercourse. When his turn comes Joe beats her and runs away. The trouble is only beginning, for at seventeen Joe sells the calf his adoptive father has given him and buys a suit with the money. In chapter eight Joe recalls becoming infatuated with a waitress at a restaurant downtown, and how he later learned that she was a prostitute. This does not deter Joe for long, however, and he soon is seeing her every week and stealing Mrs. McEachern's money to pay her.


3. I find Faulkner's use of names to tell about characters absolutely delightful. The first character with a significant name is Lena Grove. Grove, implying nature, signifies fertility and growth, which is on the mark considering she is pregnant. Also, Lena is a modernized version of Helen of Troy. Helen caused the downfall of Troy and many deaths of soldiers during the Trojan War. Although I have not read far enough into the book to see if there is a connection there as well, it's an intriguing idea that Lena may also cause the downfall of many men throughout the novel. A second character with a significant name is Joanna Burden. As pointed out in class, "Jo" is contained in her name, which is a feminine version of Joe. Does this signify that she is a female version of Joe Christmas? Also, her last name is Burden. Descended from Yankees and living in the South to help the blacks, Miss Burden certainly carries a burden. Her father and brother were killed and eventually she was also. A third interesting character-name connection is with Joe Christmas. Again, as pointed out in class, Christmas is the appositive of Jesus Christ. While they seem to share many traits - they were both around thirty-three, Joe Christmas and Jesus Christ are both "JC", they are both outsiders and loners, and they both have "disciples" who betray them, they are not the same. Joe "Christ"mas is NOT a Christ-like figure. As an appositive, he serves to provide contrast and to show exactly how different the two characters really are. A fourth character with a meaningful name is Gail Hightower. Ironically, Gail fell from quite a great height when he was scandalized by his adulterous wife and forced to resign from his post as minister. Hightower also lives in a tall, lonely house and sits in a "high tower," meaning his second-floor window, and watches life pass by. Faulkner clearly chose his names carefully and in order to provide depth beyond what first meets the eye.


4. My first question, keeping with the name theme, is what the significance of Byron Bunch's name is. I've been thinking about it but I can't seem to figure it out. Mr. Kibbie hinted that "BB" was significant, but nothing is coming to mind. I'm sure there is meaning and it is escaping me.

A second question is whether Mr. McEachern is as abusive and condescending toward his wife as I think he is. I am constantly being disgusted by his behavior and treatment of her. Joe makes it seem like not only does Mr. McEachern not value her opinion, he doesn't even notice she is around the majority of the time. I'm wondering if I'm reading too far into this or if that's really the way their relationship is.

My final question is regarding Joe McEachern/Joe Christmas. When does he change his name back to Christmas, and why? I am assuming it's because he hates his life with the McEacherns and he does not feel associated with them, but when does his complete separation take place?