Family
This family did not have much land or money at the end of the novel.
Both - The Compsons had fallen into ruin, and the Gibsons were not rich to begin with.
This family is viewed as lower on the social hierarchy because they are African American.
The Gibsons - With the traditional southern values, the Gibsons were viewed as having a lower social status because they were African American.
They only cared for their children financially.
The Compsons - Instead of spending time with their children, Mr and Mrs. Compson only supported their children financially.
This character acted like a mother figure to both families.
Dilsey - She had her own children, and also acted as a maternal figure to the Compson children.
This family had one grandchild.
Both - The Compsons had Miss Quentin and the Gibsons had Luster. They were treated very differently.
This family was perceived as cursed because of one of their family members.
The Compsons - Mr. Burgess wanted to have Benjy castrated.
Which family's children did not know what a funeral was?
The Compsons - When Damuddy died, all of the Compson children were unaware, and did not know what a funeral was.
This family was emotionally removed from his family because of his alcoholism.
Mr. Compson - He was not invested in the lives of his family, and was generally emotionally distant.
Most of the members of this family were unhinged in some way.
The Compsons - Quentin, Caddy, Jason, Benjy, Mrs. Compson, Mr. Compson
This family is perceived as an example of a traditional southern family.
Both - Each in their own way, the Compsons and Gibsons represent a kind of traditional southern family for the time.
This family is stern, but still caring.
The Gibsons - They disciplined their children, but still showed clear care for each of them.
This character became controlling because of his need to uphold traditional southern values.
Quentin - He tried to get Caddy to change because of her promiscuity.
This family is more socially educated than the other.
The Gibsons - The children knew more about what was happening in the household, and in their own family than the Compsons.
This family was perceived as unstable.
The Compsons - Quentin gets into fights, and almost gets arrested at Harvard.
This family has a good moral compass.
The Gibsons - Throughout the novel, Dilsey and the rest of the Gibsons consistently care about the children.
This character gives Benjy alcohol at Caddy's wedding.
TP - This is Dilsey's son, and was one of Benjy's caretakers.
This family is not supportive of each other.
The Compsons - Jason steals money from Miss Quentin.
This family was extremely worried about their public Perception.
The Compsons - They were obsessed with keeping their image as a traditional, strong southern family.
This family took someone who was not blood related to them in.
The Gibsons - Despite facing outside scrutiny the Gibsons took Benjy to their church.
This character was rebellious, and was eventually disowned by her family.
Caddy - After her family learns of her promiscuity, her husband divorces her, and she is disowned by the Compsons.