Initially, when we first began As I Lay Dying, I thought to myself: “Wow, Jewel is one pessimistic person.” Honestly, he just didn’t seem like a friendly dude. It’s wasn’t until I read further into the book, specifically at the scene where Jewel is “entering the water”, along with Tull and Vardaman, to help collect Cash’s tools. Tull and Vardaman won’t enter too far into the water, for fear of floating away, but Jewel is seen diving deep under the waves while Tull and Vardaman just “stand there, leaning back against the current, watching the water where he disappeared” (160 Faulkner).
Reading this creates very conflicting ideas in my head. At first, we see how Jewel doesn’t listen or really care about his family members. He likes to be independent, and is very introverted. But in the scene in the river, Jewel is risking his life to retrieve Cash’s tools that have fallen into the currents. We know that Cash is very skilled in carpentry, and therefore, his tools are very valuable to him. By knowing this, we are able to see a side of compassions from Jewel. He dives into the water, while Cash is vomiting on the shore, in order to retrieve his brother’s most valued possessions.
After reading this scene, I decided to evaluate the relationship between Cash and Jewel. Cash is a hardworking carpenter, who enjoys his work. He works when told, and even when his skills aren’t required. He even meticulously works on his own mother’s coffin. But, even though he works hard to please both his family (especially his mother) and himself, Jewel is still seen as Addie’s favorite.
In contrast, Jewel is not so motivated. Well, I should say, not motivated to do things that won’t benefit him. He obviously sees that the work he is assigned doesn’t change anything, for his family is still poor, so he takes it upon himself to find a new job: “He cleaned up that forty acres of new ground Quick laid out last spring. he did it single handed, working at night by lantern” (135 Faulkner). He uses the money he earned to buy himself a horse. The horse symbolize Jewel’s independance, for he bought it without the consent of his father or mother. In fact, the strong purchased horse helps when Jewel, Darl, and Cash are drying to cross the huge river while pulling the wagon with Addie’s coffin in it (along with Addie in it too).
This difference between Cash and Jewel leads me to doubt that they are even brothers. Their personalities are almost complete opposites. Although these characteristics of Jewel may portray him to seem arrogant, they also show how he has learned to live a successful life: to find the right kind of work, work hard, and you will be rewarded.
With this realization, although I initially had negative feelings towards Jewels character, I now understand him more and can rationalize with him. He has become a more appealing character. It’ll be interesting to see how his character develops (and if we ever will get a part of the story narrated by him) and if my liking in him will still hold true.
PS: I wrote this blog post before we read about Addie’s affair, so the last paragraph, especially, is just a theory and personal opinion.
While your point is valid, brothers are not always the same. While it did turn out that they are half brothers (what are you some kind of psychic?), that doesn't mean that they will have totally different personalities. People have different experiences and views that cause them to act the way they do, so it makes complete sense that two brothers could be polar opposites.
ReplyDeleteJewel is incredibly brave. He is my favorite character atm because of how he worked for that horse. He knew that there was no way he would be able to get a horse without working on his own time, and he sacrificed his sleep for that little bit of independence. That shows real character to me.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that Cash and Jewel are almost complete opposites. In fact, I think they have a lot of similarities. While Jewel's reasons for working are more self-serving and Cash works because that is what he does, they are both very hard workers. Cash worked through the rainstorm on his mother's coffin, while Jewel worked all night for many nights to earn enough to buy the horse. They are also both introverted and quiet, very focused on the things they love (carpentry for Cash and horses for Jewel) and sparing with words. Finally, I think it becomes clear that Jewel does care for his family when he ends up turning the horse over to the man Anse sold it to, even though the horse was his and he loved it and worked hard for it. In many ways, this is similar to Cash's perseverance in helping his family.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, focused is a very weak adjective to connect people. It all depends on your motives to be focused. I think Jewel was focused on working for that horse, because he felt the need to buy himself his own horse by independanty working. Even though his parents disaprove of his actions, he still keeps the horse (until Anse sells it). Even though the purchase of the horse helps the Bundren family economically, I don't think that was Jewel's intention when initially buying the animal. Whereas, Cash works for his family. He slaves day and night to build the coffin for Addie. It's not a coffin for himself, it's for his family.
DeleteI'm not saying Jewel doesn't care for his family, for he obviously does, although not to the extent of Cash. I just don't think Jewel dedicates his life to his family, he is interested in independance. Even though he risks his life for his family, which shows that he's brave and cares for his family, his work ethic is for his own personal gain.
I agree that the two brothers are very different, however having different personalities doesn't really make me question if they are actually brothers. Me and my sisters have very different personalities but when it comes down to it we are still family.
ReplyDeleteI find Jewel to be one of the more noble characters of the novel, as especially noticeable by his work ethic (which is also shared by Darl, yet Jewel works for himself and sets himself apart by his desire for independence from the Bundren household), yet also due to his willingness to aid Anse economically. On the pointless journey, he must sell his prized horse due to Anse's absurd desire to bury his wife back in Jefferson, such that, although he is naturally reluctant, he agrees to provide the family with more funds at his own expense- something truly heroic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Jewel is a noble charater (although I disagree that Darl is, especially after buring down that barn) but I think that Cash is also a noble character. The Bundren family is litterally resting on his shoulders (and legs), and he really helps the family out a lot, risking his life. Don't misunderstand me, Jewel does the same too by entering into the blazing barn, but I just wanted to make the point that Cash is also one, if not the most, noble character in the book.
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