44 pages • 1 hour read
The Hamlet
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Book Brief
409
Novel • Fiction
Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi • 1920s
1940
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Hamlet by William Faulkner chronicles the rise to local power of the Snopes family in rural Frenchman’s Bend, Mississippi. Led by the ambitious Flem Snopes, the family displaces the influential Varner clan. Through episodic stories narrated often by V. K. Ratliff, a sewing machine salesman, the novel explores themes of ambition, deceit, and the shifting dynamics of power in this small community. This novel contains racist and sexist language and a portrayal of the sexual assault of a teenager.
Dark
Mysterious
Gritty
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
5,691 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Hamlet by William Faulkner is often lauded for its rich Southern atmosphere, intricate narrative, and deep character development, reflecting Faulkner's mastery of prose. However, readers may find its complex structure and dense language challenging. Overall, it remains a significant, though demanding, work in American literature.
Who Should Read The Hamlet?
A reader who would enjoy The Hamlet by William Faulkner is likely someone who appreciates Southern Gothic literature, intricately woven narratives, and complex character studies. Fans of Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood or Cormac McCarthy’s The Orchard Keeper will find similarities in the atmospheric prose and exploration of human nature.
5,691 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
V. K. Ratliff
V. K. Ratliff
An amiable and insightful sewing machine salesman, he serves as an observer of the Snopes family's ascent, often guiding townsfolk with his keen understanding of Flem Snopes' schemes.
Eula Varner
Eula Varner
The attractive and indulgent daughter of Will Varner, her physical allure captivates those around her, and she becomes a figure used by others for personal gain, reflecting gender dynamics in the community.
Jody Varner
Jody Varner
The son of Will Varner, managing the family's general store, he is portrayed as prideful yet easily manipulated, facilitating the Snopeses' infiltration into Frenchman’s Bend through his misjudgments.
409
Novel • Fiction
Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi • 1920s
1940
Adult
18+ years
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