Light in August by William Faulkner

Much like William Faulkner’s other novels, the novel addresses the condition of the Deep South during the post-Civil War era. When the pregnant Lena Grove enters Jefferson, Mississippi, in search of her baby’s father, Joanna Burden of an abolitionist family is murdered. The events that follow illuminate the true nature and motivation of the characters. A novel of devastation and renewal, Light in August shows students a hope and promise that cannot be dimmed by hatred, brutality, and murder. The powerful influence of the history of prejudice and violence that is the South’s legacy is the major theme. Additional themes relate to violence, fanaticism, fatalism, and isolation.

About the Series:

Novel/Drama curriculum units contain complete lesson plans with preliminary and follow-up work, teacher notes with plot summary, background, and rationale, ready-to-use worksheets, and suggested answers for student questions. These study guides encourage the development of thinking, reading, speaking, research, and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.