Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Benjy Chapter
Benjy represents the innocence and the confusion in the Compson household, Benjy begins our story in order to give the reader an overall picture of the family's history, through Benjy we can see the family through different times and how things change and stay the same. Faulkner also begins the book from Benjys perspective in order to give the reader an understanding of what Benjy thinks about, what he perceives. By giving the reader an understanding of Benjys limitations and understanding, it helps the reader to see Benjy as he truly is throughout the rest of the story instead of viewing him as he is perceived by others. Benjy symbolizes the consistency of the society in which the Compson family lives. It was even said about him "he's been three thirty years" because he simply never developed past that point, this is similar to how the South was left behind in the Industrial Revolution and failed to develop its economy to fit the industrial structure.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ellie I thought what you said about how Benjy symbolized the South's inability to develop was really interesting. I never thought about it this way but the way you say it makes a lot of sense, and gives me a new perspective on Benjy's chapter.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLike Mimi said, it is interesting that you interpreted Benjy as connected to the old south as well. I had viewed him as representative of simply innocence, but that is a deeper connection that I missed.
ReplyDeleteThe way the Compson family treats Benjy, with the exception of Caddy, is very shameful. They treat him for poorly because he is mentally retarded. I agree that Benjy represents innocence because he can't really make judgments from the observations he makes; he is limited. His innocence is what angers most of the other characters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that Benjy is the innocent figure, mostly because he is mentally ill and is treated badly by his family (except for Caddy) and he can't really think any bad things.
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis a lot. It was brief but it was to the point and complete. It really paints a picture of Benjy in my mind without making me a read a whole lot. Good job!
ReplyDelete