An important conflict among many characters in Light in August is the effort to find a place in society while keeping an individual identity. Gail Hightower is a character that has been cast out from his society, but he eventually sees and embraces the fact that he cannot avoid the society in which he lives.

When Hightower is first introduced, he is shown as the victim of a misunderstanding congregation and personal misfortune. During Hightower's ministry, the townspeople of Jefferson ridicule him for his recurring themes of his grandfather's ride in the Civil War in his sermons. In addition, the unusual relationship Hightower has with his wife leads to his unpopularity. When he is rejected by them and removed from the church, Hightower chooses to seclude himself. He sees this as an abandonment of his responsibilities for the townspeople. He believes that this social responsibility has led to...