Sanctuary: Analysis of Major Characters
"Sanctuary: Analysis of Major Characters" provides a deep exploration of the complex characters within William Faulkner's narrative, emphasizing their roles and symbolic significance in the context of the South's socio-cultural landscape. Central to the analysis is Popeye, depicted as a remorseless killer whose actions reflect the destructive forces of materialism and exploitation that plagued the South post-Civil War. Temple Drake emerges as a tragic figure; initially a college girl from a respectable background, her life spirals into ruin after encountering Popeye, illustrating themes of victimization and societal downfall.
The character of Lee Goodwin, a moonshiner, represents the struggle against oppression as he attempts to protect Temple, only to face wrongful conviction and mob justice. Gowan Stevens, a college student, inadvertently contributes to Temple's plight through his reckless behavior. Supporting characters like Ruby Lamar and Horace Benbow further enrich the narrative, with Ruby providing assistance in locating Temple and Horace embodying the traditional Southern legal system. Overall, the characters weave a narrative that critiques both individual morality and systemic failures within a changing Southern society, inviting readers to reflect on the broader implications of their actions and fates.
Sanctuary: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Faulkner
First published: 1931
Genre: Novel
Locale: Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee
Plot: Melodrama
Time: 1929
Popeye, a cruel, passionless killer who is symbolic of the ruthless, sterile, and materialistic exploitation that destroyed the antebellum social order of the South. Ironically, he is executed for a murder he did not commit.
Temple Drake, a college girl of good family who is attacked by Popeye and then sent to live the life of a prostitute in a bawdy house in Memphis. Her family removes her from the house of ill repute, but her life has been ruined.
Lee Goodwin, a moonshiner who tries to protect Temple from a group of bootleggers and who is accused of murdering Tommy, a gang member actually shot by Popeye. He is convicted, but before he can be sentenced, he is burned to death by a mob that storms the jail to take him.
Gowan Stevens, a college student whose irresponsible conduct causes Temple to become Popeye's victim.
Ruby Lamar, Goodwin's common-law wife, who helps the officers locate Temple in Memphis.
Horace Benbow, a lawyer who defends Goodwin and who is symbolic of the early Southern historical tradition.
Tommy, a bootlegger whom Popeye kills, and of whose death Goodwin is accused.
Miss Reba Rivers, the madam of the Memphis bawdy house.
Red, a young customer of Temple who is killed by Popeye's gang because Temple hopes to escape from Popeye and run away with Red.
Judge Drake, Temple's father, a wealthy, old-fashioned Southerner.
Senator Clarence Snopes, a corrupt Southern politician.
Van, a moonshiner who fights with Goodwin over Temple.