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MonkeyNotes-The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
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In the next scenes in the present, Luster is annoyed with Benjy and
picks on him. First he takes Benjy's flowers away, and then he says
Caddy's name over and over, which apparently makes Benjy cry.
Dilsey comes along and scolds Luster for making Benjy cry. The
candles on the birthday cake are lit and the three of them rush to
eat the cake before Jason comes down. Dilsey knows Jason will
think she used his supplies to make the cake, and is very proud of
the fact that she bought the cake with her own money.
Nevertheless, she does not want Jason to see the cake.
Benjy has memories of a time when it was decided he should be
called Benjamin instead of Maury, since it was more Christian. His
mother, always too sick and fatigued to deal with anyone but
herself, decides Benjamin might bring him better luck. In the
memories, Caddy is always patient and gentle with Benjy. She tries
to teach him his new name. She plays with him. Jason is cruel,
destroying their playthings and fighting with Caddy.
In the present, Luster continues to deny to Dilsey that he has
provoked Benjy's increased tears. Jason comes down and balks at
the cake. Luster asks for a quarter, since he lost his. Jason refuses
to give him anything and tells him to shut Benjy up. Miss Quentin
comes down and scowls at Benjy, saying he repulses her and
asking if he cannot be sent away to an institution. In between this
present scene of discord, Benjy is remembering Caddy's gentleness
and kindness. He remembers his brother Quentin coming home
from a fight he lost. In the present, Miss Quentin gives Luster a
quarter so he can go to the show. Jason tells Miss Quentin to stop
hanging around with all the men. Luster takes Benjy to tuck him in
bed. Benjy remembers the night long ago when he and his siblings
came home from the creek all wet and muddy. Damuddy is dead.
Dilsey puts the children to bed, since Mother is too sick and upset.
In the dark, Mr. Compton tells Caddy to take good care of Maury
(Benjy, before his name change). Caddy holds Benjy till he falls
asleep.
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