Mountain Victory by William Faulkner
In Mountain Victory by William Faulkner we have the theme of war, tradition, trust, power, prejudice, letting go, destruction, escape and loyalty. Taken from his Selected Short Stories collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and from the beginning of the story the reader realises that Faulkner may be exploring the theme of war and the divisions that come with war. While Vatch and his father are in the cabin one of them (possibly Vatch) is stopped from killing a confederate soldier (Weddel and Jubal) in light of the fact that the war is over. The fact that either Vatch or his father still wants to kill a confederate soldier even though the war is over is important as it highlights the divisions that remain even after a war is over. Such are the emotions on both sides some men found it difficult to let go of all that has happened during the war. Even though the war may be over peace takes longer to come. The fact that Faulkner also describes Jubal’s horse as being a thoroughbred may also be symbolically important as he may be suggesting that all men (on both sides of the war) were of the same pedigree. Each was as gallant or as fine as the other. Though they may have been fighting on different sides of the war.
Faulkner also appears to be exploring the theme of prejudice. When Vatch is playing with the cartridge in the kitchen there is a sense that he would, should the opportunity arise, kill Weddel. Both men are on different sides though they both come from the same country albeit a torn country. Ideologically and traditionally they are also different which heightens the tension between the two of them. Such is the depth of mistrust that comes with war both men are unable to see eye to eye and if anything Vatch is hostile to Weddel while Weddel is in the house. This may be important as it is possible that Faulkner is suggesting or highlighting just how confrontational war is even when it ends. Again for some it is difficult to let go. Just because a war may end and one side may overcome another the ideological and traditional differences between both sides can still remain. Both sides can remain prejudicial to the other unable to accept the beliefs or traditions of the other side. In essence a power struggle remains. How futile the war may have been is also noticeable by Faulkner’s inclusion of the line ‘the one blind victim (Weddel), the other blind executioner (Vatch).’ It is also interesting that Vatch offers Weddel whiskey as symbolically Faulkner could be using the whiskey as a type of communion between both men. Though later the reader will realise that this communion is short lived.
What is also interesting about the whiskey is that when Weddel offers it to Jubal he is suspicious. There is a sense that he does not trust Vatch (or his family). Even though the war is over old prejudices remain. Despite all the destruction that has occurred during the war there is no sense of trust between either side. The wounds that have been caused by the conflict have yet to heal. It might also be worth nothing that throughout the story Faulkner focuses on footwear (mostly bare feet). It is possible that by doing so Faulkner is suggesting just how barren America was after the war. A basic necessity no longer available to those on either side. What is also noticeable is that Vatch’s sister is fascinated with Weddel’s world (the South). She imagines it to be a place which is more prosperous than her own environment. She is also intrigued as to why Weddel would cut the lining of his coat to provide footwear for Jubal.
The incident of Vatch’s sister being beaten by her father may also be important. As too is the fact that Jubal enters the house through the back door. Despite the war being over some prejudice still remain towards not only women but African Americans too. Not all individuals after the war were treated equally. Vatch’s sister is as much of an outsider as Jubal. Which may be the reason that she in some ways romanticizes what life would be like in the South. In essence she may want to escape from the life she is living. It may also not be coincidental that for the majority of the story she spends her time in the kitchen. Which at the time the story was set would have been the place that many men believed a woman should be. The fact that Vatch’s brother also wants to leave with Weddel may further highlight the levels of discomfort felt in Vatch’s home.
The end of the story is also interesting as Faulkner appears to be exploring the theme of loyalty. Though the reader is aware that Jubal has been loyal to Weddel throughout the story and has been protective of him. How important this loyalty is to Jubal is really noticeable when Weddel is killed. Rather than ride away and escape from Vatch. He kneels by Weddel’s body even though he knows that he himself is about to be killed. At no stage does he take flight even though he has been one of the main characters in the story who has been genuinely mistrusting of Vatch and his family. It is as if he knows that though the war has ended Vatch (and his family) cannot let go of it. If anything Weddel and Jubal have been unwelcome guests in Vatch’s home. Risking their lives as they continue on the journey home to rebuild what is left of their lives. Weddel and Jubal have accepted they have lost the war however for Vatch the war is not over. At all stages in the story Vatch has attempted to exert his authority over others. As too has his father. Which may have contributed to both Vatch’s brother and sister wanting to leave with Weddel to start a new life.