The main characters in this novel certainly aren't blameless figures. However, in other novels, some get a chance at redemption. Does any person have a chance in correcting their past? Or do you think that they're all headed on the wide path to destruction?
None of the characters show any of the determination, tenacity, or overall moral ethics to change their ways, and they all just say “to hell with it” at this point in their lives. Pa (Anse) is grumpy and rude and his “inability to sweat” shows his lack of motivation and caring to do anything, even simple and easy tasks. Dewey Dell continues making the same mistake at the end that she made at the beginning, and never seems to learn when things don’t work out the way she thought they would. Jewel strays from everyone throughout the entire book, and never really makes an effort to reconnect at the end. The other characters follow a similar pattern, with none of them really changing their ways by the end of the book.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with Jacob- these characters are all stuck in a cycle of mistakes and the same repetitive behavior, and they will stay in this cycle simply because none of the characters are self aware AT ALL. None of the characters realize that their behavior is destructive, take for example how Dewey Dell chooses to have sex with someone BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF CORN in her basket, or how Jewel make emotional connections with objects and animals, not the family, the blood around him. None of these characters show any effort to fix their mistakes, or show a change in any of their behavioral patterns
ReplyDeleteAll of the characters at some point have the opportunity to break their cycle of decay, but the only one who truly escapes is Darl. The whole novel is told from the inside of the circle of insanity and decay, looking out on the world. When Darl escapes, he is viewed by his family as insane, despite the fact that leaving the family is the most sane thing that any of them have ever done.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't even think Darl has a chance to leave his path of decay. By freeing himself from the poisonous grasp of his family, he threw himself into the hands of society. With his new classification of insanity, I don't believe he'll ever have the chance to redeem himself, truly. For the time period, this will haunt him throughout his entire life. As for the others, they're all stuck in the same ruts they were from page 1. Dewey and Pa exemplify this better than anyone: they've only gotten worse throughout the novel. Dewey continues to be conned into sleeping with men, and Pa finds a new wife so he can continue his lackadaisical life.
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