"Dry September" is a short story written by William Faulkner, first published in 1931. It is set in Faulkner's fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, and explores themes of racial tension, violence, and societal injustice. The story revolves around a group of men who gather in a barbershop and discuss a recent incident involving a young African American man named Will Mayes. Rumors spread that Mayes has assaulted a white woman, Miss Minnie Cooper. Despite lack of evidence and Mayes' denial, the town's racial prejudices and collective fear escalate, leading to tragic consequences. Faulkner portrays the atmosphere of tension and unease effectively, revealing the deep-seated racial prejudices and mob mentality prevalent in the society of the American South during that era. The narrative explores how gossip, fear, and racial stereotypes can quickly spiral into violence and injustice. The story's title, "Dry September," alludes to both the literal absence of rain and the metaphorical dryness or lack of humanity in the hearts of those who perpetrate violence and injustice. Faulkner's use of stream-of-consciousness technique and shifting points of view adds complexity to the narrative, offering multiple perspectives on the events unfolding.
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