A Study Of The Alienation In Light In August From The Perspective Of Existentialism

Light in August is one of novels of William Faulkner which plays a crucial role in constructing his Yorknaphatwapha saga.By describing a ten-day social life in a town named Jefferson,this story reveals authentic feelings and spirits of sacrifice that are existed in the innermost recesses of the souls of human beings.Based on the theory of Existentialism,this thesis explores the phenomenon of self-alienation in Light in August by adopting methods of theme analysis with a purpose of exploring the factors caused the alienation and approaches eliminating this phenomenon.According to the description of complex relationships among three main characters,the self-alienation caused by puritanism and racialism in American society is reflected in Light in August.At the same time,William Faulkner's concern about human nature and self are displayed in this novel.It is found that racial discrimination,religious fanaticism as well as patriarchal society are major external factors generating the self-alienation.In addition to these objective reasons,uncertainty of self-identity,avoidance of responsibility and self-imposed isolation are regarded as internal factors leading to the self-alienation.Accordingly,pursuit of meaningful existence,acceptance of responsibility and realization of self-awakening are put forward in this paper as solutions to eliminating alienation.This thesis includes six parts altogether.The first chapter briefly introduces William Faulkner and Light in August,as well as overseas and domestic research of this novel.The second chapter presents alienation view of Existentialism on which this paper based.The third chapter illustrates the alienation and self-alienation of the characters in various living predicaments.The fourth chapter points out the roots of alienation—constraints of traditional culture,portrays the struggling against alienation.The fifth chapter puts forward some solutions for the marginalized characters to overcome alienation,eventually get self-realization.In the conclusion part,deep concern about man's existence and mental problems make this novel have profound existential significance and a universal,realistic significance to all human beings.