So, what IS the point?

Today we uncovered a little bit more of the story: and the plot thickens. (If there really is any plot to this book...)

One of the questions that I want to raise tomorrow to you is this: So what? What IS the point?

Let me suggest to you that although we have been reading this novel as a bit of comedy and a bit of tragedy, is there really anything comedic to this poor family full of people that just are trying hard at life -- but society fails them. Anse puts Cash's leg into cement and rips his skin off. Vardaman drives holes into his dead mother's face. Darl begins to talk to himself in the third person. Yet, we laugh at them. We ridicule them as white trash and just southern derelicts.

So, according to Faulkner, who are the real monsters? The Bundrens... or us? ;-) Are they a product of a society that laughs and mocks them? And maybe, just maybe, that is one of his points?

Do we do this to people in real life? Do we laugh at their predicaments? Do we take humor in their ignorance? Hmmm.... Does that reinforce their roles that society has set before them? and what does that do to their pursuit of freedom and hope that Crevoceur and the Declaration of Independence value in a world in which laugher and mockery is their oppression.

Just a few of my thoughts. What do you think?
Ms. Moraites

HW: finish the novel!!