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Absalom, Absalom!

Cliffs Notes on Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom!

Cliffs Notes

Paperback

ISBN: 0822001101

Published 1989

Maxnotes: Absalom, Absalom!

Research & Education Association

Paperback

ISBN: 087891000X

Published 1996

Contents

	The Title
	Character List
	Thomas Sutpen’s Dynasty

The Title

The plot of the novel is reminiscent of 2 Samuel 13-18, in which King David’s eldest son, Amnon, has incestual relations with his sister Tamar. In retribution, their brother Absalom kills Amnon. The title alludes specifically to 2 Samuel 18, in which David learns of Absalom’s death by Joab:

  And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
  And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! (2 Sam 18: 32-33)

Character List

Names in bold face indicate major or significant characters.

Pylon

The Unvanquished

How to cite this page (MLA style):

Padgett, John B. “Absalom, Absalom!: Resources.” William Faulkner on the Web. 17 Aug. 2006. Ed. John B. Padgett. U of Mississippi. 05 Jul. 2024 <>.