Multiple Emblem

I chose to design an encyclopedia that contains Faulkner’s world. The bible is drawn from the beliefs of the majority of the characters within the novel and is by nature a rectangle with depth. I wanted the ‘encyclopedia’ to be open to show its contents which in this case is a cross section of the world torn in two. Each flip of the page then would show a different cross section of the world. I thought this was accurate to the way that Faulkner’s world is experienced, each turn of the page reveals more about the inner workings of his world.
The ‘cube’ in which the world is suspended is the three dimensional representation of a square and suggests that the world cannot expand beyond its boundaries. The cube also suggests that the book has a very solid ‘center’ structurally (as indeed the book is built on solid stylistic elements). The insides of the worlds, however, are just as empty as the space they inhabit. They are open to interpretation and if juxtaposed would present the symbol of infinity (8 sideways) to express the infinite number of interpretation available.
Faulkner creates a space within his novel to be explored. The space itself is solidly formed, as are the characters, but the ‘world’ or ‘message’ that he is sending is variable. This particular emblem focuses on the emptiness of the world analyzed through the religious scope (literally the world within the bible). This same world could also have been within an actual encyclopedia to name just one other domain that Faulkner dabbles in.

My Favorite Emblem

This was my favorite Emblem.

Light Analogy

Augsburg College in Minnesota’s school emblem is the capital letter ‘A’ with a stylized right side and cross bar that are straightened and elongated (respectively) to create a cross. Augsburg’s mission statement is based on christian principles and thus the cross is appropriate.
The cross within the context of the letter ‘A’ could prioritize christianity as fundamental and original (just as the letter ‘A’ is the first letter of the alphabet) and the red could have religious connotations such as sacrifice or to stand for the blood of christ (or some such other vaguely religious tie). The emblem probably symbolizes solidarity and faith for christian followers and can elicit positive feelings but as with the number II there is a flip side to this coin.
The logo does not attempt to make a universal claim, instead only symbolizing a single religious following (certainly a well aimed one in this case, regardless). To students of differing theological beliefs the cross can be terrifying. The sacramental red, likewise, can easily be construed as a negative and warlike color (the red of blood spilt over religious superiority).

The Emblem of Augsburg College

This religiously biased emblem mimics christianity in As I Lay Dying as both a tool to lighten and to make heavy. This is the polarizing effect of the christian cross; it both includes and excludes simultaneously.

Light Design

Lightness, as expressed by Calvino, translates into designs that assuage and leave the reader feeling at ease or happy. Heaviness then would be designs that cause consternation and ill feelings. The number two comes to mind as does the symbol of the cross which is assuring to christians the world over. Conversely followers of other religions may feel off put by such a symbol (think especially of the crusades when the cross was a symbol of fear).
In As I Lay Dying christianity is both a powerful pacifier as well as a mocked institution. Addie’s secret lover Whitfield uses it as a crutch to justify his earthly digressions (a horizontal movement) while Addie heretically speaks of the emptiness of prayer and by proxy religion in general (vertical thoughts). The two characters intersect and create the same union found in the cross which is complete contrast without any sort of third balancing point.
The cross then is both uplifting (for Whitfield) and depressing (for Addie) which captures both the lightness and heaviness as described by Calvino. The novel on the whole is a constant contradiction (the entire procession, it turns out, is really just a farce so that Anse can marry another woman) and the cross fits this contrast nicely.