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.

- Sanctuary was initially conceived by William Faulkner as a potboiler, aiming to write a sensational and commercially successful novel that would earn him significant income.
- Faulkner famously described the novel as "deliberately conceived to make money," highlighting his intention to create controversy and appeal to a broader audience with its shocking themes.
- The novel's creation is partially credited with helping Faulkner secure a teaching position at the University of Virginia due to the attention and notoriety it brought him.

**Horace Benbow**  
A middle-aged lawyer from Jefferson, Mississippi, who takes on a significant court case, showcasing his empathetic nature. His interactions with his family and the townsfolk reflect his struggle to reconcile personal ideals with societal expectations.

**Temple Drake**  
A 17-year-old college student and daughter of a powerful judge, known for attending parties and having many suitors. Her upbringing and social status contrast with the challenges she faces throughout the narrative.

**Popeye**  
A bootlegger and career criminal, depicted with a menacing presence and connected to the underworld of Memphis. His interactions with other characters highlight the darker aspects of the setting he inhabits.

**Lee and Ruby Goodwin**  
A couple in a common-law marriage, where Lee is involved in bootlegging and Ruby faces social scorn for her past. Ruby's loyalty to Lee and the challenges they face reflect broader societal hypocrisies.

William Faulkner

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Faulkner combines crime fiction with Southern Gothic atmosphere in his controversial breakthrough novel. Learn more with this Sanctuary summary.

Sanctuary Summary and Study Guide

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Get ready to explore Sanctuary and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Sanctuary

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