Faulkner's Light in August - Lena's Journey and Narrative Techniques

Explore a 50-minute lecture from Yale University's "Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Faulkner" course, focusing on Faulkner's "Light in August." Delve into Professor Wai Chee Dimock's analysis of the novel's protagonist, Lena, and how Faulkner updates the classic unwed mother story by blending comedy with the epic road novel genre. Examine the author's modernization of the Greek tradition of strangers' kindness, highlighted through stylistic elements such as character "switchability," strategic use of gerunds, and allegorical naming. Gain insights into Faulkner's narrative techniques, including the fusion of the weighty and mundane, and the significance of character names like Byron and Burden. Access complete course materials on the Open Yale Courses website for this Fall 2011 recording.

- Chapter 1. The Pagan Quality of Lena and Light in August
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- Chapter 2. Updating the Story of the Unwed Mother as Comedy
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- Chapter 3. Light in August as Faulkner's Epic Road Novel
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- Chapter 4. The Kindness of Strangers
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- Chapter 5. The Switchability of Lena as Protagonist and the Supporting Cast
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- Chapter 6. Switchability Between the Weighty and the Mundane
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- Chapter 7. Faulkner's Stylized Use of Gerunds
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- Chapter 8. Allegorical Names and Types
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