Absalom, Absalom! Questions for Study and Discussion

Absalom, Absalom! is a famous novel by William Faulkner. The novel is one of Faulkner's great novels about the Old South. Here are a few questions for study and discussion.

• What is important about the title? What is the Biblical context?
  
  
• What are the conflicts in Absalom, Absalom!? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional)?
  
  
• How does William Faulkner reveal character in Absalom, Absalom!?
  
  
• What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  
  
• What are some symbols in Absalom, Absalom!? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  
  
• Is Thomas Sutpen consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
  
  
• How do you explain the widely differing perceptions of his character (by Miss Rosa and Mr. Compson)?
  
  
• Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?
  
  
• Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
  
  
• What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
  
  
• How does the past figure into the novel?
  
  
• How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
  
  
• Who are the narrators in Absalom, Absalom!? Why does Faulkner use multiple narrators? How would the novel have differed with only one narrator?
  
  
• Would you recommend this novel to a friend?