1. Discuss the narrative structure of “A Rose for Emily.” Why does Faulkner present the story’s events in non-chronological order? Would the story be successful if he had told it in a strictly linear fashion? Why or why not? 2. How does the narrator’s opinion of Miss Emily change throughout […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsStudy Help Full Glossary for Faulkner’s Short Stories
adder A type of snake, usually with a zigzag black band running along its back; the Texan’s neck swelling like a “spreading adder” refers to the puff adder, a large and dangerous snake that “puffs” its body below the head when threatened. aldermen Members of a local legislative body; city […]
Read more Study Help Full Glossary for Faulkner’s Short StoriesCritical Essay William Faulkner’s Writing Style
Faulkner’s style in his short stories is not the typical Faulknerian stream-of-conscious narration found in his major novels. However, some of his novels’ narrative techniques are also present in the stories and include extended descriptions and details, actions in one scene that then recall a past or future scene, and […]
Read more Critical Essay William Faulkner’s Writing StyleWilliam Faulkner Biography
Reading William Faulkner’s short stories is an excellent way to approach his major works. Although his novels are better known and more widely read, many of the same characters and ideas found in them are introduced in his stories. Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi, on September 25, 1897, […]
Read more William Faulkner BiographySummary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Glossary
buckboard An open buggy. skun skinned Here, meaning “bested” because of clever trading. curried A currycomb is a comb with metal teeth used to groom horses; a horse that has been combed is considered “curried.” shell corn feed Corn that has been removed from the cob. cattymounts Wild felines: mountain […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” GlossarySummary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part VI
The opening of this section reveals Mrs. Armstid’s inability to act. The contrast between her and Mrs. Littlejohn is significant in that Mrs. Littlejohn has always been in complete control of her life and acts firmly and determinedly. Mrs. Armstid is inconsistent and indecisive, but we cannot severely fault her […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part VISummary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part V
This section recounts the immediate aftermath of the horses’ escaping into the countryside. Henry Armstid is discovered amidst the trash in the feed lot with his leg broken. He is carried to Mrs. Littlejohn’s, who sends for Will Varner, a veterinarian who also practices medicine on people. Mrs. Littlejohn maintains […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part VSummary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part IV
This is the most hilarious section of the story, mainly because the humor is based on exaggeration and our responses to these outrageous situations. Faulkner uses exaggeration extensively to describe the impossible agility and magic-like feats of the wild horses, and he incorporates many similes in order to create the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part IVSummary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part III
It takes all day to sell the horses, most of which go for three or four dollars, less than the five dollars that Henry paid for his. After the auction, Henry is impatient to get his horse, and when the Texan refuses to help him catch it, Henry orders Mrs. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part IIISummary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part II
This section opens by reemphasizing that no one knows if Flem owns the spotted horses or not. Ratliff points out that even Flem’s cousin, Eck, does not know, which does not surprise Ratliff given that “Flem would skin Eck quick as he would ere a one of us.” By sun-up […]
Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part II