Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel is set in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi between 1856 and 1940. The novel is written in the context of McCaslin’s family.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
The mood is positive.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character is Carothers McCaslin.
Major Conflict
There is a conflict between Lucas and his wife in 'The fire and the Hearth.' Luca's wife leaves because she knows that he is living a lie.
Climax
The climax is in 'The Pantaloon in Black,' where a black man called Rider kills a white man who mistreats him. Rider retaliates because he has been grieving his dead wife.
Foreshadowing
Sam's efforts to teach him hunting skills foreshadow Isaac's prowess in hunting.
Understatement
Isaac underestimates his anointing when he disowns his birthright.
Allusions
The story 'The Bear' alludes that human capability is not defined by humankind. For instance, Isaac argues that mankind does not own land and human laws mean nothing to him because his capability is enhanced by his experience in hunting.
Imagery
The images of race and slavery are predominant throughout the book to show how the blacks are mistreated by their masters.
Paradox
The main paradox is that black people are treated as inferior beings, and yet they are the ones who fuel the economic muscle of the white man.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Old Ben is personified as a human being who can think and converse.
