Vernon Tull Character Analysis

In Faulkner’s “ As I Lay Dying” the character Vernon Tull is “both a critic of and an unappreciated help to the Bundrens.” This sometimes can be seen as ironic because he actually hires some of the family members for work to help them out yet it is seen “unappreciated help”. In section 8 Tulll tries to calm Anse’s concerns, assuring him that Jewel and Darl will be back from work in time and that he’s worrying for nothing. This shows his compassion for Addie dying moments and the Burden’s family final moments with Addie. This statement is also a contradicting one because it makes you think why is Tull trying to hire the Burdens for work when their mother is dying? But he tries to lighten the situation by joking that women are different, and that their lives are difficult. He then reflects back on his own mother’s death as a weary decision to finally rest after a lifetime of hard work. So here Tull is trying to be the sympathizer. Tull can also be seen as considerate because he helps the family cross the river in spite of its obvious hostility toward him. In section 31 Vernon holds tightly to Vardaman’s hand as they walk acting as a father figure for the young one. He feels a confidence and comfort in doing so; it’s as though he has a special attraction for the young boy. This just goes to show that Vernon character is very mysterious because it seems to be always changing.