Maybe a stupid question about Light In August...

[SirJazzHands]

All the way from Alabama a-walking. A fur piece.

What does "a fur piece" mean? Is it actual fur? is that dialect? an expression? I'm from the south, so if it's actually something like an expression, it's lost on me. Any help here?

[Jozanny]

All the way from Alabama a-walking. A fur piece.

What does "a fur piece" mean? Is it actual fur? is that dialect? an expression? I'm from the south, so if it's actually something like an expression, it's lost on me. Any help here?

I know the story arc of the novel pretty well, but you need to give me a little more context. Can you cite a paragraph? Was it from Joe's past or his present adulthood? I have the book, but there is no way I can find the phrase faster than you can.

[Chester]

I've not read the passage but I'm certain it means "a far piece" (referring to distance).

[SirJazzHands]

It's the very beginning paragraph.
And yeah, Chester, that does seem about right actually.. thanks. :P

[Jozanny]

I've not read the passage but I'm certain it means "a far piece" (referring to distance).

I am not an expert on dialect, and I know Faulkner likes simple transpositions, like "b" for "g" in a phrase like "brief for Ellen", but it might also stand for *fair*, as in a fair piece of walking.

[kelby_lake]

a fur piece might be like a fur cape?

[Chester]

Trust me. It means a far distance. It's an old expression. And I am old.


(And feeling older because of this thread...)

[Jozanny]

Trust me. It means a far distance. It's an old expression. And I am old.


(And feeling older because of this thread...)

Okie dok, I yield.:p

[cipherdecoy]

I've not read the passage but I'm certain it means "a far piece" (referring to distance).

It does mean "a far piece". It is mentioned later in the novel.

[kelby_lake]

It does mean "a far piece". It is mentioned later in the novel.

Yep, it just looks like "fur" because of her pronunciation.