William Faulkners study of 20th centurys man search for self, in the novel Light in August, shows us the darker side of humanity the sense of being alienated. Among many of his books, he uses alienation as one of his major themes. Alienation occurs in humans when there is a sense of isolation, depersonalization, disenchantment, estrangement, or powerlessness. Alienation has been considered an especially important issue during the twentieth century. It's often noted as being at the heart of modern dissatisfactions-- especially of youths, women and racial minorities. (Artlex, al-am) In Light in August, Faulkner presents us with the major theme of alienation through several techniques. Three techniques I will discuss in my essay are: the setting how it emphasizes the alienation, the shifting in time in the plot as we are explained how alienation came to be apparent at that present time, and how the misogynistic tone of the novel adds to the theme of alienation. The central setting in Light in August takes place in the town of Jefferson. We are presented with several areas in this small town. Many of which are secluded from the rest of the community. Faulkners choice of setting adds to his central theme of alienation. For example, Jeffersons ex-preacher, the Reverend Gail Hightower, has taken residence in a small cabin deep into the woods of Jefferson after the scandal of his wifes mysterious suicide. After being forced to resign from the church, he becomes a recluse in the woods; having only one contact his advisor to the outside world, Byron Bunch. Faulkner describes Hightowers cabin in the beginning of chapter 3, From his study window, he can see the street. It is not far away, since the lawn in not deep. It is a small lawn, containing a half dozen lowgrowing maples. The house, the brown, unpainted and unobtrusive bungalow is small too and by bushing crape myrtle and syringa and Althea almost hidden save for the ga...
