As I Lay Dying :: Essays Papers

As I Lay Dying In William Faulkners As I Lay Dying, references to the decline by numerous characters act to propel the reader on a quest for truth. Cora and Tull vex allusions to what is right as defined by religion, while Cash evokes a more than innate sense of right and wrong. Anse has a sense of right that is cheapjack to both himself and others, yet it also conveys his view of the world which Faulkner shows to be bonny as accurate as anyone elses. Faulkners blending of these versions of right make a unified idea of what is right, even if that idea is at at a time a confusing and complicated one. Cora and Vernon Tull believe completely in the unequivocal power of God and that His will is ultimately what will be done. Cora is Vernons source of strength and credit, and even when he waivers in what he believes to be right, he ultimately sides with his wife. Cora is constantly exclaiming both in quarrel and in song that I trust in my God and my reward. (70) Thi s vox populi is a great comfort to Cora. Even when she makes cakes for a wealthy char 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 mountain to suffer seeing it as their earthly lot (159). However, this deep reliance is also blinding to Cora. Cora is blind to the fact that Addie has an understanding of sin and redemption 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 people to whom sin is just a matter of words, to them buyback is just words too. (168) Vernon Tull at times questions whether his wife is altogether right, precisely then catches himself and pulls himself back. Cora may have seen it as peoples mortal lot to suffer, but Vernon questioned this, especially in the case of Vardamans pain. Vernon says, It aint right. I be durn if it is.