Short questions & Answers of Dry September
đš 1. What role does public opinion play in the story Dry September?
Answer: Public opinion drives the central conflict in Dry September. Without any real evidence, the townspeople believe Miss Minnie’s claim that Will Mayes assaulted her. The rumor spreads quickly in the oppressive heat, and their anger fuels a violent response. This reflects how communal hysteria and prejudice can replace justice.
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đš 2. How is the theme of racial injustice portrayed in the story?
Answer: Racial injustice is central to the narrative. Will Mayes, a Black man, is accused without proof and punished brutally. His presumed guilt is accepted solely based on his race. Faulkner highlights the deep-rooted racism in Southern society, where Black individuals are denied fair treatment.
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đš 3. Describe the character of Miss Minnie Cooper.
Answer: Miss Minnie is a lonely, aging white woman who once had social standing but is now isolated. Her accusation against Will Mayes appears to be a desperate attempt to reclaim attention and sympathy. Her mental instability is hinted at, and her final breakdown suggests guilt or delusion.
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đš 4. Discuss the symbolism of heat and dust in Dry September.
Answer: The oppressive heat and dust symbolize tension, moral decay, and suffocating violence. The dry, stifling weather mirrors the dry and barren emotions of the townspeople. It creates a mood of discomfort, aggression, and chaos, contributing to the story’s tragic tone.
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đš 5. What is the significance of the story’s title, Dry September?
Answer: The title reflects both the physical climate and the emotional state of the characters. "Dry" implies the lack of compassion, justice, and rational thought. "September" places the story in a time of transition, hinting at the shift from reason to hysteria, and possibly the fading of Minnie’s sanity.
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đš 6. How is McLendon characterized in the story?
Answer: McLendon is a violent, authoritative ex-soldier who leads the mob against Will Mayes. He represents toxic masculinity and racial hatred. At home, he is abusive toward his wife, suggesting his public brutality reflects his private life. He is rigid, intolerant, and cruel.
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đš 7. What is the role of the barber in the story?
Answer: The barber serves as the voice of reason and morality. He tries to prevent the mob from harming Will Mayes, arguing for fairness and justice. His failure to stop them and eventual participation under pressure show the weakness of individual conscience in the face of mob mentality.
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đš 8. Explain the use of irony in the story.
Answer: Irony permeates the story. The townspeople see themselves as defenders of justice, but they commit injustice. Miss Minnie seeks dignity but achieves disgrace. The men feel heroic, but their actions are cowardly. Faulkner uses irony to expose the hypocrisy of Southern society.
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đš 9. Describe Will Mayes’s behavior when he is caught.
Answer: Will Mayes remains calm and confused when captured. He repeatedly declares his innocence and calls the white men “captains” as a show of respect and fear. His quiet dignity contrasts with the violence of his captors, highlighting his humanity and the injustice he faces.
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đš 10. How does Faulkner show the breakdown of Minnie’s mental state?
Answer: Faulkner depicts Minnie’s mental decline through her trembling, laughter, and obsession with appearances. Her behavior becomes erratic and delusional, culminating in hysterical laughter in the movie theater. Her final breakdown suggests that her guilt or denial has destroyed her sanity.
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