That Evening Sun

The human spirit is illustrated through Faulker's characters in "The Evening Sun". The matters of the heart are defined by the power division of whites and blacks at the time. Nancy, a black woman, is supressed by society. Her power is at the control of the people she works for; Mr.Stovall and his family whom are white. Nancy's courage is shown when she stands up to Mr.Stovall by repeating, "When you going to pay me?" as he beats her. Nancy also has a lack of courage and pride as she always repeats through out the story, "I ain't nothing but a nigger." Nancy accepted the fact that she might die and she is powerless by stating "I can't do nothing.Just put it off.And that don't do no good.". Nancy lived in fear of Jesus and was afraid of the dark. She had to stay by the lighted lamp and she didn't want to walk alone.
The division of power between blacks and whites are apparent in this story. Mother displays a sense of pride when she says, "Is her safety more precious to you than mine?" Nancy was considered less worthy of Mother because she is black. Mother did not like the fact that Father was caring for Nancy. Father shows some pity and compassion for Nancy as he decides to escort her on her way home eventhough it upsets Mother. Father tries to her help by suggesting, "Lock up your house and we'll take you on to Aunt Rachel's" but Nancy refuses the offer because she thinks it would not change what is destined for her.