Behind the extravagance of the narrative situations, the humorous narration itself, and the comic techniques, there is a more serious intent to “Spotted Horses.” With all of the different character types found in the story — from the rational narrator, to the mild, meek, and down-trodden Mrs. Armstid, to the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Part I

“Spotted Horses” is one of Faulkner’s finest examples of his unique type of local color. Critics familiar with American Old Southwest humor will recognize his indebtedness to this brand of tall-tale humor, which relies almost entirely on a liberally exaggerated oral narration. In the short story, Faulkner utilizes a sewing […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Spotted Horses” Introduction

vitiated Of poor quality; debased. pomade A perfumed ointment used to groom hair. drummer A salesman who peddles his wares in various towns. voile dresses Dresses made out of lightweight fabric, such as cotton or silk. porticoes Roofed porches. a red runabout A red convertible. serried Tightly pressed rows. the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Glossary

“Dry September” closes with John McLendon’s returning to his “birdcage” home at midnight and brutally confronting his wife. Hearing his question, “Haven’t I told you about sitting up like this, waiting to see when I come in?” we wonder where and what he must have been doing the other times, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Section V

It is Saturday night, and Miss Minnie is preparing to go downtown with her friends, who are anxious to see the effects, if any, of the rape on her. Their baiting her with questions demonstrates that they are more interested in juicy, sensational gossip than with genuine concern and affection […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Section IV

This section returns to the actions leading up to and including the murder. Again, the weather is associated with the men’s behavior. The “lifeless air,” the “spent dust,” and the “wan hemorrhage of the moon” emphasize the dry September, and all of these images are connected with death. When Hawkshaw […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Section III

A rapid and effective transition from the tenseness of the barbershop to the outwardly peaceful life of Miss Minnie begins this section, which recounts her early social exploits and emphasizes the emptiness of her current life. Daily, she follows a purposeless and repetitive schedule of swinging on her front porch […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Section II

The opening paragraph of “Dry September” sets the tone of the story by focusing on the oppressive heat and the resultant, uncontrolled and heated passions of Jefferson’s citizens. Sixty-two hot, rainless days have created a frustration among the townspeople and have fueled Miss Minnie’s accusation that she was raped by […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Section I

As a Southern writer, Faulkner draws upon the mores and prejudices of his own regional culture to create unforgettable characters and settings for his novels and short stories. “Dry September” clearly shows the horrible miscarriages of justice that prejudice can cause. Although the story revolves around the killing of Will […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Dry September” Introduction

a dollar pound fee A “pound” is an enclosure in which stray animals are kept. Mr. Harris charges Abner Snopes a dollar for keeping Abner’s hog penned up and out of the corn. provost The head of a military police unit; Abner Snopes was shot in the heel by a […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: “Barn Burning” Glossary