Light in August: Temptations Jesus Christ Overcame and Truimphed

In William Faulkner's novel Light in August, the character of Joe Christmas is often portrayed as a figure reminiscent of Christ, facing profound trials and tribulations throughout his life. The thematic parallels between Joe's struggles and the biblical narrative of Jesus are striking, particularly when considering the classic story of the Three Temptations of Christ. These temptations can be observed in the evolving relationship between Joe Christmas and Miss Burden, which unfolds in three distinct phases.

The First Temptation: The Stone and the Bread

The first temptation that Jesus faced involved the Devil urging him to turn stones into bread, an offer that appeared beneficial but was ultimately a test of his resolve. This theme of temptation through seemingly generous offers is reflected in the initial phase of Joe Christmas’s relationship with Miss Burden. Their relationship begins when Miss Burden catches Joe stealing food from her kitchen and allows him to take it. This act sets a tone of generosity, suggesting that Miss Burden wants to provide for Joe. However, Joe's troubled past leads him to suspect ulterior motives behind her kindness. He perceives her offer as a means of gaining leverage over him, causing him to reject her assistance.

This rejection is vividly illustrated when Joe reacts to the food Miss Burden has prepared for him, believing it was intended for “the nigger.” In a fit of rage, he throws the food against the wall, signifying his refusal to accept her care and, consequently, her control. Joe’s behavior echoes Christ’s rejection of the Devil’s temptation, as he insists on entering Miss Burden’s home as a thief rather than as a guest. In this way, he attempts to maintain his independence and power over the situation, much like Christ asserting his authority against temptation.

The Second Temptation: The Leap from the Pinnacle

The second temptation faced by Christ involves the Devil encouraging him to leap from a high place, challenging him to prove his commitment to God. This temptation manifests in the second phase of Joe Christmas’s relationship with Miss Burden, where her behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Miss Burden’s possessiveness grows, leading to bouts of jealousy and emotional turmoil. She insists on having secret encounters with Joe, seeking to create intrigue and possessiveness within their relationship.

Joe feels the pressure of this unstable dynamic and recognizes that their relationship is pulling him into a “bottomless morass.” Unlike Christ, who withstands the temptation of reckless behavior, Joe succumbs to the chaos of the relationship. However, he maintains a degree of emotional detachment, aware of the instability surrounding him. This awareness allows him to navigate the turbulent waters of his connection with Miss Burden, echoing Christ’s struggle to remain steadfast in the face of temptation.

The Third Temptation: The Worship of the Devil

The final temptation involves the Devil offering Christ dominion over all kingdoms in exchange for his worship, a powerful symbol of surrender. In the third phase of his relationship with Miss Burden, she attempts to engulf Joe entirely by proposing to have his children and marry him. This proposition represents a complete possession of Joe’s identity, as it would tie him to her and her desires. The prospect of security and belonging is tempting for Joe, who has long felt like an outsider. He contemplates the ease and stability that would come with accepting Miss Burden’s offer, recognizing the allure of having a home and a place in the world.

Yet, akin to Christ’s refusal to submit to the Devil, Joe ultimately resists the temptation to surrender his autonomy. In a climactic moment, he asserts his independence by killing Miss Burden, liberating himself from her grasp and the influence of his personal “Devil.” This act serves as a powerful statement of his desire for freedom and self-determination, mirroring the ultimate triumph of Christ over temptation.

Summary of Temptations and Responses

Conclusion

In Light in August, Faulkner masterfully intertwines the struggles of Joe Christmas with the biblical narrative of Christ’s temptations. Through the lens of their respective challenges, we see profound themes of independence, control, and the human condition. Joe’s journey reflects the universal struggle against temptation, ultimately culminating in a declaration of self-identity and autonomy. In this way, Faulkner not only explores the complexities of human relationships but also offers a commentary on the nature of temptation and the triumph of the human spirit.

References

• Faulkner, William. Light in August. Random House, 1932.
• The Holy Bible, New International Version. Biblica, 2011.