The quote from William Faulkner's "Light in August" addresses the complex themes of family, love, and relationships through the lens of maternal and paternal bonds. It suggests that the father's love is filled with pride and perhaps resentment, indicating a conflicted relationship with the daughter. Meanwhile, the mother’s love is steeped in hate, which suggests a darker, more tumultuous connection that involves cohabitation and shared life despite underlying animosities.
This poignant statement highlights the emotional turmoil within familial relationships and emphasizes the struggle between love and hate. It reflects on how these opposing emotions can coexist and shape a person's identity. The mother's absence signifies a deeper metaphor about familial ties and the impact of parental relationships on individual growth, making readers ponder the complexities of love intertwined with hate.