As I Lay Dying :: Essays Papers

As I Lay Dying In William Faulkners As I Lay Dying, references to the responsibility by numerous characters serve to propel the reader on a quest for truth. Cora and Tull make allusions to what is right as defined by religion, while Cash evokes a more innate sense of right and wrong. Anse has a sense of right that is deceptive to both(prenominal) himself and others, hitherto it also conveys his view of the world which Faulkner shows to be just as accurate as anyone elses. Faulkners blending of these versions of right make a unified imagination of what is right, even if that idea is at once a confusing and complicated one. Cora and Vernon Tull believe completely in the absolute power of God and that His will is in the end what will be done. Cora is Vernons source of strength and faith, and even when he waivers in what he believes to be right, he ultimately sides with his wife. Cora is constantly exclaiming both in speech and in song that I trust in my God and my rewa rd. (70) This belief is a great comfort to Cora. Even when she makes cakes for a fuddled woman in town and the woman changes her mind, Cora only thinks Riches is nothing in the face of the Lord, for He can see into the heart. (7) Cora also believed it right for plenty to suffer seeing it as their mortal lot (159). However, this deep faith is also blinding to Cora. Cora is blind to the fact that Addie has an understanding of sin and salvation and right beyond the mere words that she uses. Cora mistakes Addies lack of faith for vanity and pride, and gets down on her knees in hopes of rescuing her from the clutches of damnation (160). Addies response to this is that multitude to whom sin is just a matter of words, to them salvation is just words too. (168) Vernon Tull at times questions whether his wife is altogether right, but then catches himself and pulls himself back. Cora may commence seen it as peoples mortal lot to suffer, but Vernon questioned this, especially in t he case of Vardamans pain. Vernon says, It aint right. I be durn if it is.