#3 As I Lay Dying – Character analysis: Cash Bundren
Conflict is an inescapable reality in Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Sibling animosity, opposing viewpoints, hidden secrets, ulterior motives, Man vs Nature: wherever you look conflict arises from the selfish and senseless characters. However, Cash Bundren stands out as a character whose dedication, compassion, and sacrifices contrast with the widespread self-interest induced conflict in the rest of the novel. Cash Bundren’s heroic actions are not valued by the other characters due to their selfishness. He is a morally strong person whose convictions lie in expressions of dedication. From the beginning of the novel, Cash Bundren is shown to be considerate and caring in his own way. Cash is …show more content…
There, Cash demonstrates his heroic nature by attempting to save his family, even though his leg is broken and his family will not listen to his technical advice. First, he insists that Dewey Dell, Vardaman and Anse walk across the bridge, saving them from being dragged into the flooded waters. He even tries to save Darl by telling him to “jump clear” off the wagon and save himself from the flood while he is still holding on to Addie’s coffin. Cash also takes care of his siblings in other ways. He shows concern for Dewey Dell, while the other family members treat her like a housemaid. Anse tells her to prepare dinner immediately after Addie’s death, and when she only cooks vegetables, he tells her that she “ought to took time” to clean and cook the fish. However, Cash tells her to forget about the fish, sit down, and eat something. He offers her dinner while Anse selfishly complains about the food she makes. Cash is also the only one to notice that Vardaman is missing after Addie’s death. He does not become angry at Vardaman when he discovers him asleep next to the coffin, with the top of the box bored clean full of holes and his new auger broke off in the last one. His kindness and patience do not disappear even though Vardaman
Conflict is an inescapable reality in Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying. Sibling animosity, opposing viewpoints, hidden secrets, ulterior motives, Man vs Nature: wherever you look conflict arises from the selfish and senseless characters. However, Cash Bundren stands out as a character whose dedication, compassion, and sacrifices contrast with the widespread self-interest induced conflict in the rest of the novel. Cash Bundren’s heroic actions are not valued by the other characters due to their selfishness. He is a morally strong person whose convictions lie in expressions of dedication. From the beginning of the novel, Cash Bundren is shown to be considerate and caring in his own way. Cash is …show more content…
There, Cash demonstrates his heroic nature by attempting to save his family, even though his leg is broken and his family will not listen to his technical advice. First, he insists that Dewey Dell, Vardaman and Anse walk across the bridge, saving them from being dragged into the flooded waters. He even tries to save Darl by telling him to “jump clear” off the wagon and save himself from the flood while he is still holding on to Addie’s coffin. Cash also takes care of his siblings in other ways. He shows concern for Dewey Dell, while the other family members treat her like a housemaid. Anse tells her to prepare dinner immediately after Addie’s death, and when she only cooks vegetables, he tells her that she “ought to took time” to clean and cook the fish. However, Cash tells her to forget about the fish, sit down, and eat something. He offers her dinner while Anse selfishly complains about the food she makes. Cash is also the only one to notice that Vardaman is missing after Addie’s death. He does not become angry at Vardaman when he discovers him asleep next to the coffin, with the top of the box bored clean full of holes and his new auger broke off in the last one. His kindness and patience do not disappear even though Vardaman