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As I Lay Dying Cash's Character

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Often times in literature, analytical characters are perceived as unattached and unemotional. It can make them seem ostracised from society, and as though they don’t care about others. However, there are times in which this type of character is needed in order to stabilize things, and to provide a rational outlook. In the novel As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner, the oldest Bundren child, Cash Bundren, is a straightforward person. Cash doesn’t speak a lot, because he only says what truly needs to be said, and in that, Cash only does things that seem like a logical course of events. Cash is a character that helps the story of the bundrens be told rationally, and grounded. Many of his actions result in being unintentionally selfless, which help make Cash rise to a quiet leadership role in the Bundren family. Repeatedly throughout the novel, Cash sees …show more content…

He does not voice his opinion a lot, and only says what he thinks is relevant. In the first opportunity that Cash is given to narrate, Cash provides a list of reasoning as to why he built his mom’s coffin on a slant. This is true to his character, as the entire section is devoted to justifying one of his actions. Both the subject of his response, and the format in which it is written is logical and rational. Towards the end of the novel, Cash is found washed on shore, with a broken leg. It is clear that Cash is in immense pain, but his only response is “it wasn’t on a balance”, in reference to Addie’s coffin (Faulkner 165). Cash doesn’t get upset or place the blame, he simply gives a just explanation for what happened. When Cash speaks, he leaves out his emotion and feelings, and only says what he feels needs to be said. This is a trait that also makes him an honest narrator. While other sections may be skewed because of bias or level of sanity, Cash’s point of view is straightforward and accurate. It helps keep the plot from

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