Research Paper on:
Racism in Works by Nella Larsen and William Faulkner

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relevant to racism and its side effects. Bibliography lists 4 sources. SNFaular.doc Faulkner and Larsen in the Context of Racism Written for ,  Inc. by Susan A. Nelson - June, 2001 For More Information On This Paper Please At first glance one might  wonder what William Faulkner and Nella Larsen could possibly have in common. Yet, while coming from totally divergent backgrounds these two critically acclaimed American authors both tackled issues that  bear comparison -- relevant to racism and its side effects. This essay examines Faulkners Light in August and Larsens Passing for the common and contrasting threads pertinent to the  racial undercurrents that are part and parcel of this countrys cultural legacy. Light in August originally began as the work entitled Dark  House, and featured Joe Christmas, an orphaned man of uncertain racial lineage (Faulkner Novels, 2001). In this novel, (Faulkners first substantial exploration of race) the author examines the lives  of his small town outcasts. They include Joanna Burden: the granddaughter and sister of murdered civil rights activists; Reverend Gail Hightower, who remained so caught up in family pride/  heritage that he ignored his wifes infidelity and she ultimately committed suicide. In addition, there is Faulkners Lena Grove, the literally barefoot and pregnant girl from Alabama who journeys  repeatedly to find her childs father. Interestingly enough, Faulkner once wrote cryptically that, "Roughly... the theme [of Light in August] is [of] a man who outraged the land,  and the land then turned and destroyed the mans family" (Faulkner Novels, 2001). Evidencing Faulkners staunch pronouncement is the orphan,