William Faulkner’s ‘The Hamlet’ is a complex and intriguing novel that delves into the lives of the Snopes family, a group of poor and uneducated farmers living in rural Mississippi. The novel explores themes of power, greed, and corruption, as the Snopes family strives to rise above their humble beginnings and gain control over their community. In this article, we will provide a summary of ‘The Hamlet,’ unraveling the mystery of this fascinating and complex work of literature.
Characters in ‘The Hamlet’
The characters in William Faulkner’s ‘The Hamlet’ are complex and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and desires. At the center of the novel is Flem Snopes, a cunning and manipulative man who seeks to rise to power in the small town of Frenchman’s Bend. Flem’s actions have far-reaching consequences for the other characters in the novel, including his own family members. Other notable characters include Eula Varner, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who becomes the object of Flem’s desire, and Mink Snopes, Flem’s cousin who is both loyal and naive. Through these characters, Faulkner explores themes of power, greed, and the corrupting influence of ambition.
Setting of ‘The Hamlet’
The setting of William Faulkner’s “The Hamlet” is a small town in Mississippi called Frenchman’s Bend. The town is a rural community with a population of only a few hundred people. The story takes place during the Great Depression, a time when many people were struggling to make ends meet. The town is surrounded by farmland, and most of the characters in the story are farmers or laborers. The town is also divided into two social classes: the wealthy landowners and the poor tenant farmers. This division creates tension and conflict throughout the story. The setting of “The Hamlet” is an important aspect of the story, as it reflects the struggles and hardships of the time period and the social and economic inequalities that existed in the South.
Plot Summary of ‘The Hamlet’
“The Hamlet” by William Faulkner is a complex and multi-layered novel that explores the lives of the Snopes family, a group of poor white farmers living in rural Mississippi. At the heart of the novel is the character of Flem Snopes, a cunning and ambitious man who rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful figure in the town of Frenchman’s Bend.
The novel is divided into three sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Flem’s life. In the first section, we are introduced to Flem and his family as they struggle to make a living on their small farm. Flem is a shrewd and calculating man who is always looking for ways to improve his situation, and he quickly becomes involved in a number of shady business deals that bring him into conflict with the other members of the community.
In the second section, Flem moves to Frenchman’s Bend and begins to establish himself as a successful businessman. He takes advantage of the town’s economic troubles to buy up land and property at bargain prices, and he soon becomes one of the most powerful men in the area. However, his success comes at a cost, and he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends as he becomes more ruthless and manipulative.
The final section of the novel focuses on Flem’s downfall. He becomes embroiled in a series of scandals and controversies that threaten to destroy his reputation and his business empire. As his enemies close in on him, Flem is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the true nature of his character.
Overall, “The Hamlet” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of ambition, greed, and the corrupting influence of power. Faulkner’s vivid and evocative prose brings the world of the Snopes family to life, and his complex and nuanced characters make this a novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.
Themes in ‘The Hamlet’
One of the central themes in William Faulkner’s “The Hamlet” is the decline of the aristocracy in the American South. The Snopes family, who are the main characters in the novel, represent the rise of a new class of people who are not bound by the traditional values and customs of the old South. The Snopeses are opportunistic and ruthless, willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. They are contrasted with the old aristocracy, who are depicted as weak and ineffectual. Another important theme in the novel is the corrupting influence of power. As the Snopes family becomes more powerful, they become more ruthless and cruel. The novel also explores the theme of isolation and loneliness, as many of the characters are trapped in their own personal struggles and unable to connect with others. Overall, “The Hamlet” is a complex and nuanced exploration of the changing social and economic landscape of the American South.
Symbolism in ‘The Hamlet’
Symbolism plays a significant role in William Faulkner’s ‘The Hamlet’. The novel is filled with various symbols that add depth and meaning to the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the Snopes family’s hog business. The hog business represents the greed and corruption that exists within the Snopes family. The hogs are treated poorly and are seen as nothing more than a means to make money. This symbolizes the way the Snopes family treats each other, using one another for their own gain. Another symbol in the novel is the Snopes family’s dilapidated mansion. The mansion represents the decline of the Snopes family and their inability to maintain their status in society. The mansion is a physical representation of the family’s decay and their inability to adapt to changing times. These symbols, along with others in the novel, add depth and complexity to the story, making ‘The Hamlet’ a rich and rewarding read.
Faulkner’s Writing Style in ‘The Hamlet’
Faulkner’s writing style in “The Hamlet” is characterized by his use of stream-of-consciousness narration, multiple perspectives, and complex sentence structures. The novel is told from the perspectives of several characters, each with their own unique voice and perspective on the events unfolding in the story. This allows Faulkner to explore the themes of family, power, and morality from multiple angles, creating a rich and nuanced portrait of life in rural Mississippi. Additionally, Faulkner’s use of long, convoluted sentences and intricate syntax adds to the novel’s sense of complexity and depth, challenging readers to engage with the text on a deeper level. Overall, Faulkner’s writing style in “The Hamlet” is both challenging and rewarding, offering readers a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
Analysis of the Snopes Family
The Snopes family is a prominent and complex group of characters in William Faulkner’s “The Hamlet.” They are known for their cunning and manipulative ways, often using deceit and trickery to get what they want. The patriarch of the family, Abner Snopes, is a particularly intriguing character, as he embodies the family’s values and beliefs. Abner is a proud and stubborn man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family’s reputation and honor. He is also fiercely independent and refuses to be controlled by anyone, including his own family members. Despite his flaws, Abner is a fascinating character who adds depth and complexity to the novel.
The Role of Gender in ‘The Hamlet’
In William Faulkner’s ‘The Hamlet’, gender plays a significant role in the lives of the characters. The novel is set in a patriarchal society where men hold power and women are expected to conform to traditional gender roles. The male characters in the novel are portrayed as dominant and aggressive, while the female characters are submissive and passive. This gender divide is evident in the relationships between the characters, particularly in the way they interact with each other. For example, the male characters are often dismissive of the female characters’ opinions and ideas, while the female characters are expected to be obedient and deferential to the men. This gender dynamic is further complicated by the fact that some of the female characters, such as Eula and Linda, are able to exert a certain amount of power and influence over the male characters. Overall, the role of gender in ‘The Hamlet’ is a complex and nuanced one, reflecting the social and cultural norms of the time in which the novel is set.
Comparison to Other Faulkner Works
When comparing “The Hamlet” to other works by William Faulkner, it becomes clear that this novel stands out in its portrayal of the Snopes family. While the Snopeses appear in other Faulkner works, such as “The Town” and “The Mansion,” “The Hamlet” delves deeper into their history and motivations. Additionally, “The Hamlet” is unique in its use of multiple narrators, each providing their own perspective on the events unfolding in Frenchman’s Bend. This technique is not as prevalent in Faulkner’s other works, making “The Hamlet” a standout in his literary canon.
Reception and Legacy of ‘The Hamlet’
The reception and legacy of William Faulkner’s “The Hamlet” has been mixed since its publication in 1940. Some critics praised the novel for its complex characters and exploration of the decline of the aristocratic Snopes family in rural Mississippi. Others criticized it for its fragmented structure and difficult language. Despite these mixed reviews, “The Hamlet” has endured as a classic of Southern literature and a key work in Faulkner’s canon. Its themes of power, greed, and corruption continue to resonate with readers today, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of the American South.