Granny’s Defining Moment
One of Granny’s most defining moments in William Faulkner’s Unvanquished is when she decides to hide Bayard and Ringo under her skirt to protect them from Union soldiers. This moment is the first of Granny’s defining moments and arguably one of the most dynamic because it introduces Granny’s willingness to defy her morals. Her unexpected actions also introduce a recurring theme in the novel, which is the act of committing something morally questionable out of necessity. This theme is explored further in the book when Granny cons Union troops and gives the profits to a community in need.
Towards the beginning of the book, Granny is depicted as a virtuous person. After she chooses to protect Bayard and Ringo by lying to a soldier, Bayard recalls how strongly Granny feels about lying by describing how she would “kneel down with [them] herself to ask the Lord to forgive [them]” whenever she caught them lying (Faulkner 28). Despite her strong …show more content…
These actions highlight the theme of the novel, committing morally questionable actions out of necessity. Bayard finds himself facing this dilemma towards the end of the book, but it is mainly introduced through Granny’s disregard for her moral code. Despite the moral implications of her actions, Granny shows the tragic side of adulthood when she reveals that she is willing to take responsibility for her actions. She claims that “[she] sinned for the sake of food and clothes” and for “creatures who could not help themselves” (Faulkner 147). Granny’s intentions are still pure at heart, but she is forced to commit immoral actions to achieve her goals. As an adult, she is faced with the task of maintaining responsibility for her actions as well as responsibility for things such as food, water, and the well being of the children. These responsibilities will not always coincide especially during the book’s unforgiving
One of Granny’s most defining moments in William Faulkner’s Unvanquished is when she decides to hide Bayard and Ringo under her skirt to protect them from Union soldiers. This moment is the first of Granny’s defining moments and arguably one of the most dynamic because it introduces Granny’s willingness to defy her morals. Her unexpected actions also introduce a recurring theme in the novel, which is the act of committing something morally questionable out of necessity. This theme is explored further in the book when Granny cons Union troops and gives the profits to a community in need.
Towards the beginning of the book, Granny is depicted as a virtuous person. After she chooses to protect Bayard and Ringo by lying to a soldier, Bayard recalls how strongly Granny feels about lying by describing how she would “kneel down with [them] herself to ask the Lord to forgive [them]” whenever she caught them lying (Faulkner 28). Despite her strong …show more content…
These actions highlight the theme of the novel, committing morally questionable actions out of necessity. Bayard finds himself facing this dilemma towards the end of the book, but it is mainly introduced through Granny’s disregard for her moral code. Despite the moral implications of her actions, Granny shows the tragic side of adulthood when she reveals that she is willing to take responsibility for her actions. She claims that “[she] sinned for the sake of food and clothes” and for “creatures who could not help themselves” (Faulkner 147). Granny’s intentions are still pure at heart, but she is forced to commit immoral actions to achieve her goals. As an adult, she is faced with the task of maintaining responsibility for her actions as well as responsibility for things such as food, water, and the well being of the children. These responsibilities will not always coincide especially during the book’s unforgiving