That Evening Sun by William Faulkner
"That Evening Sun" is a short story by William Faulkner that explores themes of fear, vulnerability, and racial dynamics in the American South. The narrative centers on Nancy, a black woman who has taken on the role of cook in the Compson household during a time of personal crisis. Struggling with her unreliable husband and resorting to prostitution to make ends meet, Nancy's life takes a darker turn when she faces violence and betrayal, leading her to attempt suicide while in jail. The story portrays her as visibly pregnant and deeply anxious about her husband's potential return.
As her fears grow, Nancy seeks refuge at the Compson home but is denied the safety she craves. Instead, she relies on the Compson family, particularly Mr. Compson and his children, to escort her home each evening. The narrative culminates in a tense return to her cabin, where Nancy's terror becomes palpable as she tries to delay the children's departure with stories and distractions. Faulkner leaves the resolution ambiguous, prompting readers to reflect on the complexities of Nancy's situation and the societal structures affecting her. Through its poignant exploration of Nancy's plight, "That Evening Sun" invites examination of both individual and systemic issues within a racially charged environment.
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That Evening Sun by William Faulkner
First published: 1931
Type of plot: Psychological
Time of work: About 1915
Locale: Jefferson, a small town in Mississippi
Principal Characters:
Nancy , a part-time domestic servant, the protagonistJesus , her husbandJason Compson, Sr. , for a time Nancy's employerQuentin Compson , Jason's son, the narratorCandace Caddy Compson , Quentin's younger sisterJason Compson, Jr. , Quentin's younger brother
The Story
Nancy is a black woman who has been filling in as cook in the Compson household during the illness of their live-in servant Dilsey. She has an unreliable husband, and she has taken to prostitution to supplement her income. She has been knocked down and kicked in the face by a white client from whom she demanded payment, after which she, not he, has been jailed. While in jail she has made an attempt on her own life.
At the time of the story she is visibly pregnant, and Jesus, her husband, has gone off, first vowing vengeance against the father. Afraid that he will return and menace her, Nancy begs Mrs. Compson to let her sleep at the Compsons' house, but Mrs. Compson will not permit it; therefore, except for one evening when she sleeps in the Compson kitchen, Mr. Compson and the three children escort her home in the evening. Between the Compson house and her cabin is a ditch, which she views as the likely place for an ambush.
After Nancy's final day with the Compsons, when Mr. Compson will no longer accompany her, she cajoles the children, all under the age of ten, to accompany her. On their arrival at the cabin, she is so terrified that she uses every ploy she knows to delay the children's return, offering to tell them stories and make them popcorn, but her hospitality falls short of pleasing the children.
Finally Mr. Compson comes for the children and offers to take her to a relative's house, but she will not leave. When the Compsons depart Nancy is sitting, petrified, in her house and moaning. The author does not reveal whether her fears are groundless.
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