Absalom, Absalom!

by

William Faulkner

Charles Etienne’s Wife Character Analysis

Charles Etienne’s wife is an unnamed Black woman with a dark complexion. It’s suggested that she comes from a “backwater” place and isn’t very intelligent. Charles Etienne flaunts her dark skin around Judith and around town, seemingly trying to incite people. Charles Etienne and his wife have a child together, Jim Bond, who seems to be born with severe mental impairments.
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Charles Etienne’s Wife Character Timeline in Absalom, Absalom!

The timeline below shows where the character Charles Etienne’s Wife appears in Absalom, Absalom!. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 6
The South  Theme Icon
The Limits of Ambition  Theme Icon
Social Taboos, Racism, and Inherited Trauma  Theme Icon
Judith pleads with Charles Etienne to renounce his wife and child (Jim Bond) and go to the North, where he can start fresh and... (full context)
Storytelling, Perspective, and Truth  Theme Icon
The South  Theme Icon
The Limits of Ambition  Theme Icon
Social Taboos, Racism, and Inherited Trauma  Theme Icon
...gossip has settled on. After speaking with Judith, Charles Etienne returns to his cabin where his wife and child are waiting for him. He continues to live there and farm the land.... (full context)