Sunday, March 8, 2009

What is Anse's view of Darl in As I Lay Dying?

Early in the novel, Anse seems a bit
resentful toward Darl (and Cash) because they are the ones doing the physical labor to support
the family. Later, as Darl begins to break down during the journey to Jefferson, Anse observes
and comments on Darl's strange behavior. For example, he notes how Darl laughs while in the
wagon with Addie's coffin. Anse is also concerned about how Darl's behavior will make others
think of his family, and by extension, what they think of him. Darl's behavior makes Anse
suspect that Darl does not respect him: "I don't expect you to have no respect for
me." However, what really sets him off is the perception that Darl does not respect
Addie.

Anse's judgement of Darl as disrespectful and insane is somewhat
ironic considering the negative portrayal of Anse throughout the novel. He is seen by most
characters as lazy, and he is always complaining and bemoaning his life and circumstances. Darl,
on the other hand, is given the primary narrative voice in the novel, speaking in the majority
of the chapters. While he is admitted to the insane asylum at the end of the novel, we know it's
partly because the family can't take on the financial burden of Darl burning the barn
down.

Cash understands that sanity and insanity are social constructions, but
that Darl's commitment to the asylum is also a practical necessity. On the other hand, Anse's
behavior at the end of the novelhis stealing his children's money and finding a new wife
immediately after burying the first oneis more strongly admonished.

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