Faulkner mainly focuses on Vardaman referencing animals, in the form of metaphors. The significance of Vardaman using a fish to symbolize his mom, is so the reader can understand his despair. Vardaman is contemplating people’s existence on earth and what life truly means. “I will be where the fish was, and it all cut up into not-fish now (Faulkner 53).” Vardaman questions if his mom is not an alive anymore, does that mean she never was? The question of Addie’s existence is reiterated several times in Vardaman’s passages.The reader can understand his internal emotional struggle with his comparison of a fish. This exact metaphor indicates an insight to Vardaman’s mind contemplating the idea of existence. His mind is obsessed with the concept
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Jewel is the best example for looking at animal symbolism, with reference to similes. In the beginning pages it is unclear how Jewel truly feels about Addie, even though Addie clearly favors Jewel compared to the rest of the children. In the beginning pages he describes his neighbors surrounding his mother’s body “like buzzards” (15). Buzzard’s often resemble death, the cleansing of decay and they can also symbolize motherly instincts (cite). Jewel’s protective nature of Adie’s body when presented with danger, shapes a picture of their loving relationship. Contrarily, much of the book depicts Jewel as distant and hostile towards his family. The misunderstanding of his Jewel’s family, is why Faulkner’s animal symbolism shows Jewel’s true feelings. Jewel tends to show his feelings through violent acts, which is confusing. Jewel also physically, as well as, mentally distances himself from the rest of his family. Jewel has a independent nature, partially due to the fact he is an illegitimate child, so he never quite fits in with the rest of the Bundren’s. The buzzard’s stand as a symbol for his inescapable tie to the family. As hard as Jewel tries, he can not escape his mother’s death or the remaining family because of his special relationship with Addie has such a strong hold on his
Jewel is the best example for looking at animal symbolism, with reference to similes. In the beginning pages it is unclear how Jewel truly feels about Addie, even though Addie clearly favors Jewel compared to the rest of the children. In the beginning pages he describes his neighbors surrounding his mother’s body “like buzzards” (15). Buzzard’s often resemble death, the cleansing of decay and they can also symbolize motherly instincts (cite). Jewel’s protective nature of Adie’s body when presented with danger, shapes a picture of their loving relationship. Contrarily, much of the book depicts Jewel as distant and hostile towards his family. The misunderstanding of his Jewel’s family, is why Faulkner’s animal symbolism shows Jewel’s true feelings. Jewel tends to show his feelings through violent acts, which is confusing. Jewel also physically, as well as, mentally distances himself from the rest of his family. Jewel has a independent nature, partially due to the fact he is an illegitimate child, so he never quite fits in with the rest of the Bundren’s. The buzzard’s stand as a symbol for his inescapable tie to the family. As hard as Jewel tries, he can not escape his mother’s death or the remaining family because of his special relationship with Addie has such a strong hold on his