That Evening Sun Go Down, a short story written by William Faulkner, portrays the pathetic condition of African Americans in South America. One can identify the hidden hatred that the white men harbour towards the Negro community in America. A Unique Feature of the Story is that it can be read from two different angles. One is the clear distinction that exists in society between the rich and the poor. Another aspect is the inequality and prejudice found in the treatment of black by their white counterparts. The writer questions the inequality in society and argues against the fact that African Americans in South America are not considered human beings. They are not provided with the right to make a living of their own. They are forced to be washerwomen or cooks in white peoples houses where their pitiable condition is accentuated by the inhuman treatment they are meted out. The central character of the story is Nancy, the Afro-American washerwoman who is working for Quentins family. He
r husband, Jesus, is a drunkard, who suspects her for her connection with white people. At the end of the story, Nancy is expecting death at the hand of her husband. The title of the story, That Evening Sun Go Down signifies the death of Nancy. Among African communities, there is a belief that the sunset symbolizes death. This belief can be connected to Nancys deem which is the storys magic climax. Racialism and discrimination is not a new issue in America, its roots are planted decades back, at the age of slavery. The people in America were not ready to treat the offspring of their former slaves as equal. Earlier, the life of an African in the American continent has been a struggle for survival. The choice of the writer to use the theme of racial discrimination towards Africans in America is a rebellion against the rigid norms of the society. Claim: William Faulkner uses the theme of racial discrimination and exploitation to display the hardships of African Americans in South America.