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That Evening Sun

William Faulkner carefully chose the name for Nancy's husband in "That Evening Sun." Discuss the two possible meanings for "Jesus" in the story. How does this overlap add meaning to the story? What do Jesus' supposed intentions toward Nancy suggest about how Southerners (both white and black) viewed the Christian Jesus during this time period?

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In the novel, Faulkner's choice of "Jesus" as the name for Nancy's husband alludes to the Biblical Joseph, who is called on to father Jesus as his own. Like Joseph, Jesus accepts a child that isn't his. On another note, Jesus resembles the Biblical Jesus who was misunderstood by those around him, supporting the Christian belief that all deserve compassion and forgiveness.

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That Evening Sun

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