The Hamlet by William Faulkner is a story of family and redemption set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. The novel follows the Compson family, focusing on the eldest son, Quentin Compson, who is a rebellious and disillusioned young man trying to make sense of life in the rural south. The story follows Quentin’s journey as he comes to terms with his family’s legacy and attempts to make something of himself.
The novel opens with the death of Jason Compson, the father of Quentin, Candace, and Jason III. In his will, Jason bequeaths the Compson family's share of the local plantation, known as "The Hamlet," to his youngest son, Jason III. It is up to Quentin to help his brother manage the plantation and to assume the financial responsibility for his family. It is during this time that we learn of the complexities of the Compson family, with their troubling pasts and the unfortunate circumstances of their current situation.
Quentin struggles to make sense of his family’s legacy while trying to make something of himself. He is a restless young man, who is frequently questioning everything around him and trying to make sense of it. He often aloof and isolated, carried through his days in a state of listless wandering. During one of these walks, Quentin meets a local service man, Mink Snopes, and develops a close bond with him. Mink helps Quentin to understand the realities of life for the small community around The Hamlet and helps him to cope with the abstract aspects of existence.
Quentin eventually decides to leave the community and travel. He visits several places and meets a variety of people, only to find nothing truly fulfilling. Upon his return, Quentin discovers that The Hamlet has been set ablaze by a mysterious figure from the past. He soon realizes that his father has set the fire to cleanse his inheritance and his family’s legacy.
After the fire, Quentin meets up with Mink, who helps him to make sense of what happened. Mink encourages Quentin to stay in Yoknapatawpha County, and to use the remains of The Hamlet as a chance to rebuild and move forward. Over the course of the next year, Mink and Quentin work diligently to rebuild The Hamlet and the surrounding area. All of this hard work pays off, as the community begins to revitalize and Quentin discovers a sense of purpose that he had lacked before.
The Hamlet is a powerful tale of tragedy, redemption and the power of resilience. Quentin's story is an exploration of commitment and perseverance, set in the vivid backdrop of rural Mississippi in the 1920’s. Faulkner's signature style is on full display, as he deftly portrays the characters of Yoknapatawpha County in their struggle to make sense of the world around them. The novel offers a nuanced and rich look at the people and circumstances of the Compson family, providing powerful insights on family and the human condition.
