The theme of racism is the very crux of the novel Light in August. A Mississippi author, William Faulkner chooses to take on his state's chilling racism problem through the personal histories of his fictional characters. Published in 1932 and set in what was then modern-day, Faulkner has only to trace his characters back three generations to the Civil War and the official end of slavery. Racism and the lingering effects of slavery can be found throughout the story, and most notably in the central character of Joe Christmas. Christmas believes he has an African-American bloodline through his father's side, and although this fact is never confirmed, it shapes Christmas' entire life. He is literally at war with himself, as his Caucasian side treats his African-American heritage with violent contempt. A man labeled black who.....
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