A Study Of Consumer Culture In Faulkner’s Sanctuary

America was undergoing a transformation from the production-oriented society to a consumption-oriented one during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Meanwhile the consumer culture began to prevail and dominate the society. Exposed to the context of consumer culture, Faulkner felt the change of time keenly and recreated the consumption characteristics of American Southern society. He also gave his consideration of its impact on traditional values and life style.Published in 1931 and marked by the consumption age, Sanctuary is an embodiment of American consumer culture serving both as a creation context and a contributor to the plot development. By taking the perspective of consumer culture, this thesis attempts to analyze the fictional characters from all walks of life who are involved in various forms of consumption. The symbol value of commodities rather than the use value is attached much importance in consumer society. The quantity and quality of commodities can directly show one’s wealth and status. Therefore, people try to gain new identities and social positions through accumulating wealth, purchasing clothes, residence and cars. Besides material consumption, people are also indulgent in recreational consumption, such as balls and whorehouse which can display both their financial power and leisure time -- an indirect demonstration of social rank.The rise of consumer culture brings about great impact on traditional values of the American South. The virtue of restraint and thrift advocated by the traditional puritan ethics are replaced by the desire of consumption and hedonism-centered philosophy. Driven by such distorted consumption, men gradually step into the way of alienation.The description of consumer culture reflects Faulkner’s concern for Southerners’ spiritual world in the transitional period. He tries to warn people of not abandoning the traditional morals, and establish a correct view on consumption, guiding their consumption behaviors with more rational concept.