Light in August

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Light in August
Fate vs. Free Will
Christmas is conflicted about fate and free will: the black versus white; the violent versus non-violent person; and the child versus man. He always ends up laying blame on other people instead of accepting the consequences of his decisions (Gale). Christmas does not take responsibility for killing Miss Burden since something beyond his control forced him. The similar conflicts burden reverend Gail Hightower, but at the end, he acknowledges that some of his decisions had repercussion, for example, choosing to ignore his wife resulted in his wife cheating on him and eventually passing away (Gale).
The Past Influencing the Present
The effect of the past can be seen in the Southern opposition to racial integration. The novel is conceived 60 years after the Civil War, and the primary belief is that the white should not mix with African Americans (Gale). Christmas embodies this dangerous racist ideology since he is infused with the history of racism which means he does not escape the restraints of self-hate. He accepts the lies of racism and, as a result, loathes himself.
The question of past determining the present is especially highlighted with Hightower whose past is embedded in his family history. It is said that Hightower’s grandfather murdered several Yankee soldiers during the Civil War (Gale). He is not obsessed with his grandfather’s legend since he missed the antebellum South and did not display his bravery and heroism in battle.

The reason for his obsession with his father was because he was born into a house filled with ghosts: his old father, dying mother and a servant preoccupied with the past. When Hightower was younger felt a great connection to his ancestor’s fabled death rather than his actual parents since he viewed his grandfather’s stories as more alive. Hightower’s grandfather died stealing a chicken coop, and he believes he was shot by a Confederate soldier’s wife who was protecting her chicken coop (Gale).
Her past burdens Miss Burden due to family pride, struggle, and shame that have affected her present life. She has been forced to honor her family’s commitment to abolition and black equality which leads to her murder by Joe Christmas. Christmas hates and is threatened by her patronizing instinct to control and improve him (Gale). He is haunted by memories of violence, abuse, and neglect. His grandfather was also an antisocial and violent man who tended towards violence.
Conclusion
In my opinion, time is not always a flat circle. Characters in Light in August accept the cards they are dealt with and use it as an excuse for their adverse actions (Gale). Lena Grove has shown that it is possible for an individual to overcome the burdens of her past. Lena is a strong and determined person who views life in its simplicity. She does not lie about her marital status and accepts assistance from others and takes no offense when criticized. Lena enjoys every moment of her life. Rather than close off the rest of the world like Joe Christmas, she openly discusses her experiences with others (Gale). She depends on the kindness of strangers, doesn’t blame anyone for her situation, and accepts full responsibility for her actions. Lena Grove is proof that there is hope for both Byron Bunch and Reverend Gail Hightower.

Work Cited
Gale, Cengage Learning. A Study Guide for William Faulkner’s” Light in August”. Gale, Cengage Learning, 2016.