Student Question
What does the father mean when he tells his sons, "Obey them, but remember your name and don't take nothing from no man" in Faulkner's "The Tall Men"?
Quick answer:
In Faulkner's "The Tall Men," the father's advice to "obey them, but remember your name and don't take nothing from no man" emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual dignity and identity within a dehumanizing system. He advises his sons to respect authority but also to retain their self-worth and autonomy, reflecting themes of patriotism and rugged individualism. This guidance underscores the belief that every individual has intrinsic value in a democracy.
"The Tall Men" is a short story that Faulkner wrote to try to promote the ideas of patriotism and of the importance of rugged individualism. It is in this context that we should understand the quote that you cite.
What Buddy McCallum is telling his sons is that they should not lose sight of the fact that they are individuals who matter. America, as a democracy, is of course built on the idea that all individuals have value. McCallum is telling his sons to remember that and to fight for that idea, even in the face of a government bureaucracy that is sometimes dehumanizing.
By telling his sons to remember their names, he is telling them to take pride in who they are. By telling them to obey, but also to not "take anything" from anyone, he is telling them to do what they are supposed to do. He is telling them to be respectful, but not to simply obey others blindly.
In these ways, McCallum is making a statement about what he believes an American man should be. This is why he gives his sons the advice you cite.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.