Racism affects and influences society, regardless of time period. This idea of ​​certain races possessing characteristics that surpass others, that have superiority over others, idealizes society as a whole. Authors grasp racism and base their opinions on controversial topics in their literary works. William Faulkner uses this idea by breaking down Joe Christmas in Light in August and forces him to fight against racism. Faulkner reflects on the racism found in Southern society of the time through Joe Christmas's inability to connect with both black and white communities, condemning him to the perimeter of society where he lacks identity and leading him to his tragic fall. William Faulkner uses Joe Christmas struggles to point out the biased and racial prejudices found in the South during the time of writing Light in August. Joe Christmas is completely displaced from the South after the murder of Joanna Burden. This quote signifies the persecution he would face if he stayed put: “He was sick after that. He didn't know until then that there were white women who would take a black-skinned man. He was sick for two years (...) He was in the north now, in Chicago and then in Detroit" (Faulkner 225) Joe had to flee to escape the racism of the South, mainly because of the judgment coming from the society that did not agree with Joe and Miss Burden's relationship. An apparent black man involved in a sexual relationship with a white woman is frowned upon in the South, causing Joe to flee, forcing him into depression, and adding insult to injury caused primarily by his situation. racial prejudices found in the South. In the analysis of Light in August...... middle of article ...... after being isolated, Joe Christmas collapses and eventually falls. In the final analysis, Joe Christmas becomes influenced and affected by the racism seen in the South at the time Faulkner wrote the novel. Due to the fact that Joe contains mixed blood of blacks and whites, both communities, who misunderstand his true past, avoid and disapprove of Joe. The isolation and segregation of society leads to his tragic downfall as he is unable to define himself due to his indisputable past. Therefore, it is clear that William Faulkner uses Joe Christmas as an example of the major effects of racism on society and human beings. Racism always evolves over time, and the authors are aware of this; American and European literature will always reflect on racism during this era, which provides a better understanding of racial struggles in society..