The Sound and the Fury Q&A

Dilsey Gibson is the oldest working servant of the Compson family. She is far more nurturing and concerned about the Compson children than their parents. Dilsey, like Christ, places the interest of others before herself, as evidenced by her disregard for receiving Jason’s beating on behalf of Miss Quentin. Moreover, Dilsey is not just someone who quietly abides, but she tries to educate and shape as well. She imbibes the lessons she gleans from her bible, and the sermon that she hears. She endures while the Compson family fades into history.

Dilsey and Caddy are linked through their capacity as both strong women and as mothers. Dilsey repeatedly demonstrates her ability to deal with tragedy, and to persevere despite it. The Compsons fall apart at minute tragedies, while Dilsey ensures that her family abides by difficult times with positive attitudes. She is a good mother not just to her own children but also to the Compson children. On the other hand, Caddy displays her grit by making her way through a man’s world and yet experiencing more success than either of her brothers. Her brothers are unable to deal with her pregnancy, while Caddy continues to thrive despite it. She illustrates her ability as a mother from a small age, as she is able to understand his needs and wants despite his inability to communicate them.