Kelley Ross
Envelope
Light in August
Envelope 1: Images of both light and dark are prevalent throughout the work. Trace the
significance of each. Does the use of these images change?
Envelope 2: Wood imagery is significant throughout the book. What is the significance
of this imagery and is it used for the same purpose throughout the book?
Envelope 3: Identify and document images / descriptions surrounding each character. Do
the descriptions change? Why? Why does Faulkner choose to describe the characters in
this way? Are some characters gender neutral or even transgendered?
Envelope 4: Cyclical / circular movement is often referred to throughout the book.
When? Why do you think this is?
Envelope 5: How are journeys taken in the book? What do the journeys represent? Find
passages that represent either a figurative or literal journey.
Envelope 6: One’s identity is often questioned in this book. Find passages where a
character struggles with his identity or his identity is questioned / discussed.
Envelope 7: All characters struggle with their past. Find passages that support this. Why
does Faulkner choose to have characters with this struggle?
Envelope 8: Faulkner often uses neologisms—words made up on his own accord—to
describe the characters. What are some of these words and what are their connotations?
Envelope 9: Christ imagery is often used when discussing Joe Christmas. Identify
passages that show this. Why does Faulkner portray Joe Christmas in such a figurative
way?