Confusing Quentin

Quentin's section is even more confusing than Benji's. I found it really interesting that Faulkner starts the book with Benji who provides no insight into any situation, leaving it up to the reader to interpret every event, and then goes to Quentin who not only gives his own insight, but also puts himself inside the mind of others, particularly his mom. I agree with Mika, that Faulkner's lack of punctuation is frustrating, but in this section I think it makes the ideas he puts forth about what other characters are thinking even more interesting. It adds to his stream of consciousness as a complete run-on of ideas. It makes this section even harder to disect, but at this point, i am pretty positive one of Faulkner's goals was to confuse the hell out of all of us and make readers work to understand his points.

Addressing his relationship with Caddy, I think it is completely bizarre as many others do. I do not agree with his father, that he is so hung up on her promiscuity because he is a virgin, but I think there is something more going on. Their relationship reminds me of Louisa and Tom's relationship in Hard Times. There is definitely some sexual tension going on and a lot of jealousy coming from Quentin's end. However, I was thinking that Caddy could also just be a representation of Quentin's feelings about women in general.

I just think all of this confusion is really enticing and makes me keep reading. I actually have to sit down and reread pages multiple times before somewhat understanding what is going on, and even though i do not fully comprehend what Faulkner is trying to say. I end up appreciating his writing even more after we talk about it in class because i definitely lose a lot of components just reading it on my own.

And btw, I still feel like a toothpick.