Introduction
The theme of confrontation or determination of the true nature of good and evil is common in literature and cinema. Many authors have tried to find the most expressive images and plots to convey the complex dynamics of these concepts. Moreover, today’s perception of good and evil may differ significantly from what they were in the traditional concept.
It is a compound system that requires deep analysis and thought to understand. At the same time, long-term study of this topic leads to more questions that require answers. Therefore, this paper will analyze the portrayal of the concepts of good and evil in William Faulkner’s Sanctuary, Toni Morrison’s Sula, and the movie A History of Violence.
Faulkner’s Sanctuary
Faulkner’s novel depicts a society that lacks any values or social responsibility. Each of the characters, in one interpretation or another, can be identified with evil. Popeye is a criminal who acts solely for personal gain. He has ties to the Memphis criminal underworld, is involved in bootlegging, and is raping Temple Drake (Faulkner, 1985).
However, after examining the nature of his atrocities, it can be assumed that they are a consequence of his physical disabilities. His mother had syphilis, which affected the child (Faulkner, 1985). Moreover, being impotent, he rapes Temple with a corncob to assert himself. There can be no justification for his actions, and Popeye does not even try to improve or find redemption without admitting guilt.
On the other hand, Temple Drake herself is a more complex character in terms of the good/evil dynamic. She is the daughter of an influential judge and grew up in affluence. Her immoral activities as a “fast girl” may be due to the influence of the society in which she lives (Faulkner, 1985).
Even though her behavior raises moral questions, she commits less evil in its physical manifestation than other characters. However, her torment between good and evil occurs on a moral level when she lies about Lee Goodwin killing Tommy (Faulkner, 1985). Temple tries to redeem itself, but the author demonstrates that it is not easy.
A History of Violence
On the other hand, A History of Violence tries to demonstrate that redemption and the fight against the evil that lives inside a person are possible. The film tells the story of Tom Stall, whose life, at first glance, seems ideal (Cronenberg, 2005). However, behind the image of a family man living in a small town lies a dark past that the hero tries to overcome on the path to goodness.
Tom’s internal conflict symbolizes the human psyche’s eternal struggle between good and evil. The film implies that even those with a history of abuse can choose the path of goodness. The film provides an answer to the question raised by Erasmus that people who have committed evil can seek to correct it.
Morrison’s Sula
Toni Morrison takes on this topic from a new perspective, challenging common ideas about good and evil. The novel follows the lives of Sula Peace and Nel Wright, who are surrounded by a society full of prejudice (Morrison, 1973). Unlike other works in this analysis, Sula focuses on how society forms the concept of good and evil based on what people consider unacceptable.
Sula’s rebellion did not involve malicious intent but rather was a consequence of the social norms that the community imposed on her. Thus, Morrison suggests that the origins of evil may be rooted in social constructs. It transforms the idea of this concept because, in this case, the environment turns out to be evil, while the character evokes sympathy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evil can have different sources and result from an individual’s personal experiences or traumas. At the same time, all authors emphasize the influence of society on the formation of ideas about good and evil but not on human behavior. The characters’ environment and its influence force them to commit acts contrary to morality. This further complicates the issue of atonement since the works analyzed demonstrate that it is not just one person who needs corrections but humanity as a whole.
References
Cronenberg, D. (2005). A History of Violence [Film]. New Line Cinema.
Faulkner, W. (1985). Sanctuary. The Library of America.
Morrison, T. (1973). Sula. Knopf.