Response to JSTOR Article for The Sound and the Fury

For my blog this week, I chose the JSTOR article titled "The Words of The Sound and the Fury". I found the article intriguing, because it delves much deeper into the symbolism present in the novel that we just scratched the surface on a few time in class. The author, Robert Martin, explains in his opening paragraph that although the story is quite simple, "The way in which [Faulker] arranges images, sequences, scenes and whole chapters...demands attention" (46). This statement accurately summarized the approach that readers need to take while tackling the unorthodox style of narration and chronology. Yes the novel's story isn't complex, but the underlying word choice and meaning is something more noteworthy. Martin explains in the article how there are key word or phrases found in each individual section, or throughout the book to signal a commonality. In the "Benjy" section of the novel, the word "fire" is used roughly forty-three times in the last twenty-four pages of the section. For Benjy, fire is concrete and eternal. Although Caddy brings Benjy a great deal of joy, she will eventually wither whereas fire will remain "basically static" (47). As a mentally unstable individual, Benjy needs to have a stable object to find solace in. The state of the fire plays a key role in Benjy's emotional state. Fire provides Benjy with a sense of comfort; on the contrast, the absence of fire instills unease. Martin provides evidence in the conversation between Luster and Benjy. The hushing of the fire brings Benjy discomfort. Caddy instills the connection between fire and comfort in Benjy by leading him to it. In Quentin's sections, the image of "Shadow" dominates his thoughts. The shadow that is behind him constantly fills his thoughts. This is evident when Quentin states, "I stepped into the sunlight, finding my shadow again" (50). Quentin's description of the shadow makes it seems as though it was a sentient being, always trying to outsmart him. Another prominent object in the Quentin section is Louis Hatcher's lantern. I never really places much thought into its significance, but Martin believes that it symbolizes "man's ability to shed light" which is quite an optimistic outlook (51).Overall, I think that this article is insightful in terms of bringing new meaning to objects and images present in the novel. Martin's writing is interesting and accessible allowing reader's to grasp the concepts that he provides.

Jason Mother Relationship

As we discussed in class, part three of the novel revolves around Jason, the most cynical and bitter of all the Compson children. The issue prevalent in Jason's case is his lack of to support for the family and his active decision to inhibit the reciprocation of love that his mother gives him. Jason is Mother's favorite child, but the reason is not wholly present in the text. She does however state that he is "her own flesh and blood" and "isn't a reproach" to her (181). Jason wrongfully rejects the compassion that she has provided him with and interacts with her in a rude tone of voice. Despite her unconditional love, Jason abuses her love and financial support for his own benefit. This is evident when Caroline presents Jason with a check of $1000 to aid in the establishment of the business. Instead of appropriately spending the money, he cashes it and spends it on a car. The unfortunate aspect of Jason is his inability to feel guilt or regret for his actions. Jason does not accept the responsibility as the new head of the family leading it into the lowest trough that it has ever experienced. His apathetic mindset to improve the family's status only accentuates his failure as a person.

How does Jason's core values and ideals further hinder the family's ability to improve?

Short Stories Half Blog

While reading through the table of contents for The Best American Short Stories 2008 Edition, I stumbled upon the short story "Puppy" by George Saunders. What originally drew me, was the title. Without even knowing the basis of the story, I already knew that at least a part of it revolved around one of my favorite animals. Whether this was figurative or literal was unknown to me until I actually skimmed through the story. I had not heard of the writer George Saunders, nor of any other work that he had written after looking through a brief list of his past works. From the initial paragraph, it is evident that his writing is very contemporary. The entire first paragraph which is close to 20 lines on The New Yorker website is one long continuous sentence sprinkled with a variety of punctuation such as parenthetical, comas, dashes, and an exclamation point to conclude the lengthy thought. There are a few words that are repeated for emphasis such as "autumnal sun", "brilliance", and "haunted house". Saunders uses parenthetical throughout the story to introduce a different voice's opinion. This is really contemporary from what I am normally used to in a story. I'm not sure whether this will be the story and author combination that I will use for my essay, but an open mind to a story like this couldn't hurt.