William Faulkner's Sanctuary has garnered mixed reviews. Praised for its gritty and complex narrative, the novel showcases Faulkner's masterful prose and deep psychological insight. However, its dark themes and graphic content have also drawn criticism for being overly disturbing and sensational. Overall, Sanctuary stands as a provocative and challenging read that continues to stir strong reactions.

A reader who would enjoy Sanctuary by William Faulkner is likely intrigued by dark, Southern Gothic literature. They appreciate complex character studies and psychological depth, similar to those found in Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood or Cormac McCarthy's Child of God. This reader values intricate narrative techniques and morally ambiguous scenarios.

Sanctuary by William Faulkner takes place in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, and follows Temple Drake, a college girl from a well-off family, who falls prey to a ruthless bootlegger named Popeye. Popeye's subsequent actions, including abducting Temple and raping her, ripple through the lives of characters like lawyer Horace Benbow, bootlegger Lee Goodwin, and Temple's date, Gowan Stevens. The book contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence, and lynching, as well as the use of derogatory language.

William Faulkner

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Before You Read

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Overview

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Sanctuary Summary and Study Guide

Background

Sanctuary Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Sanctuary Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-17

Sanctuary Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-23

Sanctuary Chapters 18-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-31

Sanctuary Chapters 24-31 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Sanctuary Character Analysis

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Themes

Sanctuary Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Sanctuary Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Sanctuary Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Sanctuary Essay Topics

Sanctuary

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