Themes: The Nature of Life and Death

In an early monologue, Cora Tull asks her husband, Vernon, a thought-provoking question: If Addie values being buried with her relatives so much, "Then why didn't she go alive?" This inquiry introduces a central theme of the novel: the essence of life and death. Addie’s monologue, which addresses Cora’s question, takes place not only well after Addie’s death but also following a treacherous river crossing. This crossing results in the drowning of...

Themes: Revenge and Resentment

Unbeknownst to Anse, Addie's burial plans are a form of retribution for her pregnancy with Darl over two decades ago. She harbors resentment for being "tricked" into the pregnancy by Anse, her unfulfilling life with him, his use of the word love, and language in general. To her, "words" rise "up in a thin line, quick and harmless," starkly contrasting with the concrete effects of actions on the world. Addie's pursuit of revenge not only propels...

Themes: Isolation and Solitude

When Addie sought marriage, she wanted someone who would break through her loneliness. Although her son Cash interrupts her solitude, just as Anse did in the past, after her second pregnancy and the birth of Darl, Addie regards Anse as "dead." His "death" is symbolized by his preference for words over actions. Anse does not work; instead, his family and neighbors toil to support him. As Darl points out, he has never seen any sweat marks on Anse's...

Themes: Sanity versus Insanity

Darl grapples with themes of sanity and madness following Addie's death. Through Addie's monologue, readers discover that she cherished Cash, her eldest, and Jewel, her child with Whitfield, but never wanted or accepted Darl. Darl is acutely aware of her feelings and his lack of a symbolic birthright. He recognizes that Jewel and Cash, who have this birthright, possess a sense of confidence in their lives because of it. Without this affirmation,...

Themes: Moving On and Acceptance

Following Addie's burial, the Bundren family seems to carry on with their lives. Anse uses Dewey Dell's ten dollars to get himself new teeth and even weds a new wife. Vardaman fantasizes about an electric train he admires, while Cash is eager to enjoy the victrola brought by his new stepmother. Everyone appears satisfied, or as Cash describes it, like monkeys eating bananas. Addie's passing also favors Whitfield, as their clandestine affair stays...

Themes: Alienation and Loneliness

Faulkner's use of various narrators underscores a central theme: each character experiences profound isolation. Moreover, the characters in the novel face challenges with effective communication. While readers are privy to their thoughts and emotions, the characters themselves cannot express their troubles or desires to one another. Except for Darl, who intuitively discerns Addie's and Dewey Dell's secrets, the characters can only guess at each...

Themes: Death

In a novel focused on a hazardous quest to inter a decomposing body, it's no shock that death emerges as a central theme. The shocked reactions of other characters to the Bundren family's endeavor reveal societal norms about handling the deceased and highlight deep-rooted fears about human mortality. Furthermore, Vardaman's chapters delve into grasping the concept of death, with his bewilderment being both touching and disturbing.

Death as a theme...

Themes: Identity

The novel frequently explores questions about the nature and strength of self-identity. Characters like Anse, Cash, Jewel, and the Tulls demonstrate a clear sense of self. However, Faulkner uses Darl and Vardaman to examine the delicate nature of identity. Vardaman often defines his relationships with others by repeatedly stating, "Darl is my brother" and the more famous line, "My mother is a fish." Through these repeated phrases, Faulkner shows...

Themes: Language and Meaning

A central theme in the novel is the limitation of language. Faulkner delves into this by showcasing the characters' struggles to communicate effectively, Addie's profound distrust of words, and the unconventional vocabulary they use in their narration. The recurring theme is the insufficiency of language to convey thoughts and emotions. Many characters resort to clichés, resulting in misunderstanding instead of clarity. These communication...

Themes: Love and Passion

Love and passion play crucial roles in the novel, deeply affecting the characters' relationships and fates. Addie, especially, is characterized by her powerful emotions. Her affair with Whitfield arises from true passion, and her dismissal of her husband and three of her children is just as intense. Her strong attachment to Cash and Jewel is both passionate and affectionate. This love aids them in forming robust self-identities, which Darl, Dewey...

Themes: Sanity and Insanity

By chronicling both the Bundrens' arduous journey and Darl's descent into madness, Faulkner explores the themes of sanity and insanity. The idea of the Bundrens undertaking such a challenging trip seems irrational to both readers and other characters. However, for most of the Bundrens, the journey appears completely rational considering their ultimate goals: Anse's desire for new teeth, Dewey Dell's need for an abortion, and Jewel's loyalty to...