Faith and The Road

"I have done things but neither better nor worse than them that pretend other like, and I know that Old Marster will care for me as for ere a sparrow that falls. But it seems hard that a man in his need could be so flouted by a road." -Anse

This quote highlights a couple of the things the novel has spoken to me so far: Christianity's role in the novel, and Anse's resistance to the 'road'. In regards to faith, I enjoy seeing the difference between Anse's belief, and that of Cora's. Cora's faith is eloquent and fierce, while Anse's faith, although just as present as Cora's, is portrayed as simple and dim-witted. The sovereignty of God is brought up frequently by both parties, in regards to the rough times they are facing. They are two very different people professing the same belief in different ways. I thought Faulkner's insight into the different depths and types of faith in the south to be interesting and informative.

In regards to 'the road', I questioned whether Anse's resistance to the road to be a symbolizing of the rural south's resistance to the modernizing north. A road symbolizes vast transportation, business, and to Anse (and the people like him in the south) complication. To Anse, the greatest burdens on his shoulders are the saving of three dollars, and the acquiring of dentures. The road presents a great contrast to the lifestyle of Anse, and to me symbolized modernities fierce inconvenience to those not properly prepared for it.

Discussion Question: Given the actions and heart motives of Anse, Is his faith legitimate? Why does he find the road such an inconvenience? and (if not already discussed) What are the benefits to having so many different points of view in the novel?

- Hunter Leeves