« If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » est un roman de William Faulkner publié en 1939. L’histoire se déroule dans le Mississippi et suit la vie de deux personnages, Horace Benbow et Temple Drake. Le roman explore des thèmes tels que la violence, la sexualité et la perte d’innocence. Dans cet article, nous présenterons un résumé de l’histoire de « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem ».
Background Information
William Faulkner’s novel « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » was first published in 1939. The novel is set in the fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, and follows the lives of two families, the McCaslins and the Edmonds. The story is told through the perspectives of several characters, including Lucas Beauchamp, a black man who is falsely accused of murder, and Charles Mallison, a young boy who is struggling to come to terms with his family’s past.
The novel explores themes of race, identity, and the legacy of slavery in the American South. Faulkner’s writing style is known for its complex narrative structure and use of stream-of-consciousness techniques. « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » is considered one of Faulkner’s most challenging works, but also one of his most rewarding. It is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the complexities of life in the American South.
Plot Summary
« If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » by William Faulkner is a collection of interconnected short stories that revolve around the lives of the McCaslin family and their African American servants in the rural South. The stories are set in the early 20th century and explore themes of race, family, and identity.
The first story, « Was, » introduces the reader to the McCaslin family and their history of owning slaves. The story follows the life of Isaac McCaslin, who inherits his grandfather’s plantation and decides to free his family’s slaves. The second story, « The Fire and the Hearth, » focuses on the relationship between Isaac and his African American servant, Sam Fathers.
The third story, « Pantaloon in Black, » is a tragic tale of a young African American man who is falsely accused of murder and lynched by a white mob. The fourth story, « The Old People, » explores the traditions and beliefs of the African American community in the South.
The final story, « The Bear, » is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of a young boy named Ike McCaslin as he learns about his family’s past and the harsh realities of the world around him. The story culminates in a hunt for a legendary bear, which serves as a metaphor for Ike’s journey towards understanding and acceptance.
Overall, « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of stories that offers a unique perspective on the complex history of race relations in the American South. Faulkner’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery make this a must-read for anyone interested in Southern literature or American history.
Main Characters
The main characters in William Faulkner’s « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » are two young lovers, Quentin Compson and Rosa Coldfield. Quentin is a Harvard student who returns to his hometown in the South, where he meets Rosa, a woman who has been in love with him since childhood. The novel follows their tumultuous relationship, which is complicated by their families’ histories and the racial tensions of the time. Quentin is haunted by his family’s past and struggles to come to terms with his own identity, while Rosa is consumed by her love for him and her desire to protect him from the dangers of the world. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, family, and race in a society that is rapidly changing. Faulkner’s vivid portrayal of these characters and their struggles makes « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » a powerful and moving novel that continues to resonate with readers today.
Themes
The theme of loss and memory is central to William Faulkner’s novel, « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » (1939). The story follows the lives of two cousins, Quentin and Shreve, as they attempt to unravel the complex history of their families and the town of Jefferson, Mississippi. Throughout the novel, Faulkner explores the ways in which memory can both haunt and heal us, and how the past can shape our present and future.
One of the most striking themes in the novel is the idea of lost or forgotten love. Quentin is haunted by his memories of his sister Caddy, who he believes has been ruined by her relationships with men. He is also deeply in love with his childhood friend, the beautiful and enigmatic Judith Sutpen, who he believes is unattainable. Shreve, on the other hand, is obsessed with the story of Thomas Sutpen, Judith’s father, who he believes was driven to ruin by his own obsession with power and wealth.
Another important theme in the novel is the idea of identity and belonging. Both Quentin and Shreve struggle to understand their place in the world, and to come to terms with their own complex family histories. They are both outsiders in Jefferson, and their attempts to uncover the truth about their families only serve to deepen their sense of alienation.
Overall, « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » is a powerful exploration of memory, loss, and the ways in which our pasts shape our present and future. Faulkner’s vivid prose and complex characters make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of human relationships and the power of memory.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in William Faulkner’s « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » (1939). The title itself is a reference to a biblical verse from Psalm 137, which speaks of the longing for Jerusalem. This longing is a recurring theme throughout the novel, symbolizing the characters’ desire for a sense of belonging and identity.
The character of Harry Wilbourne is also a symbol of the South’s decline. He is a former aristocrat who has lost his wealth and status, representing the downfall of the old Southern way of life. His relationship with his cousin, the young and innocent Temple Drake, is also symbolic of the corruption and decay of Southern society.
The setting of the novel, Jefferson, Mississippi, is another symbol of the South’s troubled past. The town is steeped in history and tradition, but it is also plagued by poverty and racism. Faulkner uses this setting to explore the complex and often contradictory nature of Southern identity.
Overall, « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » is a powerful exploration of the symbolism of the South. Faulkner’s use of imagery and metaphor creates a rich and complex portrait of a region struggling to come to terms with its past and present.
Writing Style
William Faulkner’s writing style in « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » is characterized by his use of stream-of-consciousness narration and his exploration of the complexities of human relationships. Faulkner’s prose is often dense and challenging, requiring the reader to pay close attention to the details and nuances of his characters’ thoughts and actions.
In this novel, Faulkner employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping back and forth in time to explore the lives of his two main characters, Lucas Beauchamp and Gavin Stevens. Through their perspectives, Faulkner delves into themes of race, class, and identity, painting a vivid portrait of life in the American South during the early 20th century.
Despite the challenges posed by Faulkner’s writing style, « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » is a rewarding read for those willing to put in the effort. Faulkner’s masterful use of language and his ability to capture the complexities of human experience make this novel a true literary masterpiece.
Critical Reception
The critical reception of William Faulkner’s « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » has been mixed. While some critics praise the novel for its complex characters and Faulkner’s signature style of stream-of-consciousness narration, others criticize it for its convoluted plot and confusing structure. Some argue that the novel’s themes of love, betrayal, and redemption are powerful and resonate with readers, while others find them clichéd and overdone. Overall, « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » remains a divisive work in Faulkner’s oeuvre, with both its strengths and weaknesses hotly debated among literary scholars and enthusiasts.
Adaptations
L’adaptation cinématographique de « If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem » de William Faulkner a été réalisée en 1951 sous le titre « The Reivers ». Le film met en vedette Steve McQueen dans le rôle principal et a été nominé pour deux Oscars. Bien que le film diffère considérablement du roman original, il capture l’esprit de l’histoire et offre une interprétation intéressante de l’œuvre de Faulkner. D’autres adaptations de l’œuvre de Faulkner incluent « As I Lay Dying » (2013) et « The Sound and the Fury » (2014), qui ont également été bien reçues par les critiques.