When diving into the complexities of William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying,” one character stands out among the ensemble: Jewel Bundren. As the second son of the Bundren family, Jewel plays a pivotal role in shaping both the narrative and the emotional landscape of this novel. His character is deeply intertwined with themes of identity, love, and sacrifice, which creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to explore not just who he is but what he represents within this Southern Gothic tale.
The Complexity of Jewel’s Character
Jewel is often viewed as a brooding figure—a young man marked by anger and defiance. From the get-go, we see him as an outsider within his own family. Unlike his siblings, who are portrayed with varying degrees of vulnerability and dependence on others, Jewel embodies raw strength and an almost primal connection to his mother, Addie Bundren. This connection goes beyond mere affection; it reflects a complicated mix of duty and love that compels him to go to great lengths for her. In fact, much of Jewel’s motivation stems from his desire to prove himself worthy in Addie’s eyes—a testament to their unique bond.
A Symbol of Sacrifice
One could argue that Jewel’s most defining trait is his capacity for sacrifice. As the plot unfolds, we see how far he is willing to go for his mother’s sake—his willingness to risk life and limb while transporting her coffin across treacherous terrain exemplifies this commitment. While other characters grapple with their grief in different ways—sometimes resorting to selfishness or denial—Jewel remains steadfastly focused on fulfilling Addie’s last wish: a proper burial in Jefferson.
This sacrificial nature culminates in one particularly poignant moment when he sells his prized horse just to fund their journey. That horse isn’t merely an animal; it’s a symbol of freedom and individuality for Jewel. By letting it go, he’s making an immense personal sacrifice—a choice that speaks volumes about his loyalty to Addie compared to any familial obligation toward his siblings.
The Duality of Love and Anger
Another intriguing aspect of Jewel’s character lies in the duality between love and anger that he embodies throughout “As I Lay Dying.” His fierce devotion often manifests itself through rage—not only at external circumstances but also toward those closest to him. For instance, he displays contempt toward both Anse (his father) and Dewey Dell (his sister), suggesting that part of him sees them as obstacles standing between him and fulfilling Addie’s legacy.
This internal conflict makes Jewel fascinating because it sheds light on how grief can warp relationships within families during trying times. Instead of bonding over shared loss, they find themselves caught up in resentment fueled by misunderstanding each other’s motives or feelings regarding their mother’s death.
The Role as An Outsider
Jewel’s status as an outsider also adds layers to Faulkner’s exploration into family dynamics within “As I Lay Dying.” Unlike Cash—who seeks approval through practicality—or even Dewey Dell—who navigates her own struggles with teenage pregnancy—Jewel exists outside traditional familial roles. He doesn’t conform easily; rather than leaning on others for support during crises like most would expect from a son or brother grappling with loss, he isolates himself emotionally from them instead.
This detachment may be interpreted as coldness or indifference but can equally serve as armor against vulnerability—the kind you develop when you’re torn between wanting closeness yet fearing rejection or misunderstanding from those you care about most deeply.
An Elemental Force Driving The Narrative Forward
What really elevates Jewel’s role beyond just being another character amidst tragedy is how integral he becomes towards moving Faulkner’s narrative forward effectively throughout this journey filled with obstacles—and not just physical ones! Each scene involving Jewel reveals layers upon layers connected intricately back again into themes surrounding identity—the struggle between honoring parental expectations versus forging one’s path uniquely aligned away from norms dictated by society around them!
Conclusion: The Indelible Mark Left Behind
In conclusion, Jewel Bundren stands out not merely because he’s one among many players navigating life after death but because through him we witness multifaceted portrayals where love dances hand-in-hand alongside bitterness rooted deeply within familial ties cultivated through years spent together under one roof facing hardships together forever united by blood—but forever conflicted along lines drawn clearly distinguishing each individual’s personal boundaries! His sacrifices resonate strongly even long after turning last page revealing not only strengths reflected back upon us all—but vulnerabilities shining bright unashamedly revealing our humanity altogether!
- Faulkner, William. *As I Lay Dying*. Vintage Classics, 1990.
- Benson, Jackson J., ed. *William Faulkner: A Critical Study*. University Press of Mississippi, 1981.
- Shelton Jr., John W., “The Role Of Individual Characters In Faulkner’s Works.” *Mississippi Quarterly*, vol 54 no 3-4 (2001): pp 487-505.
- Morrison Toni “The Site Of Memory.” *The Archive* (1998): pp 44-55.
