Addie
What happens to Addie
Addie dies early in the novel, which sets the plot in motion as her family tries to honor her wish to be buried
What is Anse's main concern?
Anse is mostly concerned with his own needs—especially getting new teeth—and uses Addie’s death as an excuse for the journey.
What makes Darl different
Darl is highly intuitive and often seems to know things without being told, which makes other characters uneasy around him.
Who is Jewel’s real father
Jewel's biological father is Reverend Whitfield, though this is not widely known to the rest of the family at this point in the book.
What secret is Dewey Dell hiding?
Dewey Dell is pregnant and is desperately seeking a way to end the pregnancy without her family finding out.
Where does Addie want burial
Addie wants to be buried in Jefferson, a town far from her home, near her family, as a final wish.
How does Anse treat his children?
He often manipulates or blames them, showing laziness and avoiding responsibility while relying heavily on them for everything
How does Darl view the world
Darl has a philosophical, sometimes detached perspective, often questioning reality and existence in poetic, abstract ways.
What’s Jewel’s relationship with Addie?
Jewel is Addie’s favorite child. She sees him as a product of her one act of passion, making him special and deeply tied to her emotionally.
Who got Dewey Dell pregnant?
Lafe, a farmhand, is the one who got Dewey Dell pregnant during their time working together in the fields.
Which child does Addie love most
Addie loves Jewel the most, seeing him as a product of passion and her personal rebellion against her unfulfilling life.
Why does Anse go to Jefferson
He claims it’s to honor Addie’s wish, but his true motives include personal gain—like getting new teeth and possibly remarrying.
How do others see Darl?
Many view him as strange or even mentally unstable; his perceptiveness unsettles his family, especially Jewel
How does Jewel express emotions
Jewel is often silent and physically intense. He channels emotions through action—especially through his fierce loyalty and protective behavior toward Addie.
Why is she going to town?
While the family is going to bury Addie, Dewey Dell wants to use the trip to secretly find a drugstore and obtain an abortion
How do others react to Addie’s death
Her death causes chaos; each family member reacts differently, often revealing their selfish motives or emotional disconnection.
How is Anse viewed by others
Many characters, and likely readers, see Anse as selfish, lazy, and opportunistic, using others under the guise of duty
What is Darl’s relationship with Jewel?
Their relationship is tense and hostile—Darl resents Jewel and often mocks or provokes him, hinting at deeper jealousy or conflict.
Why is Jewel so angry
Jewel harbors deep resentment, especially toward Darl and Anse. His anger stems from feeling misunderstood and possibly from inner conflict about his identity
How does Dewey Dell feel?
She feels confused, anxious, and isolated. Her internal monologues show that she’s overwhelmed by her secret and unsure who to trust.
Why is Addie's journey delayed?
Flooded rivers, a broken bridge, and the family’s stubborn commitment to her wish cause dangerous and repeated delays.
What is Anse's biggest flaw
His selfishness and refusal to work or take responsibility, even during crisis, makes him one of the least sympathetic characters.
Why is Darl an important narrator?
Darl narrates many chapters and gives readers deep insight into the Bundren family; his internal reflections reveal emotional truths others ignore.
What does Jewel’s horse represent?
The horse symbolizes Jewel’s independence and strength. It’s also an extension of himself—something he earned and loves, but is forced to give up.
What is her view of men?
Dewey Dell is distrustful and frustrated with men. She often feels objectified and powerless in her interactions with them.