Themes and message

Rumour

The main theme of the short story “Dry September” by William Faulkner is rumour. The story is centred on a rumour that ultimately causes the death of a man.

At the beginning of the story, the narrator states that “it had gone like a fire in dry grass: the rumor, the story, whatever it was” (ll. 1-2). The uncertainty of the narrator about the nature of the rumour shows that its validity and truthfulness are questionable. This point remains a topic of dispute through the story, as many people, including Minnie’s friends, question whether the assault really took place: “ ‘You reckon he really done it to her?’ ” (l. 97); “ ‘Do you suppose anything really happened?’ ” (ll. 298-299)

The town of Jefferson seems to be a good environment for the rumour to spread because its people are concerned with gossip. While discussing the current rumour, a man in the barber shop brings up a story about Minnie having a previous “man scare” (l. 56) when she allegedly saw a man spying on her while she undressed (ll. 57-58).

Minnie’s life is shrouded in rumour and gossip. It is the reason why Minnie chose to distance herself from social events when she was younger: “One evening at a party she heard a boy and two girls, all schoolmates, talking. She never accepted another invitation” (ll. 115-117).

Her relationship with the widower also stirs controversies. The narrator notes that, witnessing Minnie together with the widower, “the town began to say: ‘Poor Minnie’ ” (l. 125). This statement shows the active participation of all people in the community in spreading gossip. Her relationship becomes a topic of public opinion, with some people pitying her and other people holding her accountable (l. 126) or accusing her of adultery. When her relationship ends, people keep an eye “from behind their curta...