Anse III (110-111)

"Woe is Anse, Again"

Anse complains about how hard he has it. They get to Samson's and the bridge is out.

He then goes on into a 'Bible dialect' with "I am the chosen of the Lord, for so He loveth, so doeth He chastiseth..."

Why does Anse feel the need to be reflective, when he is so clearly ill-suited to it?

Then he makes himself feel better with the prospect of the false teeth.

Aside from being tremendously lazy, Anse is a martyr wannabe.

Anse II (105-106)

"Darl Laughs at All of It"

Anse is upset because Darl starts laughing...he expresses concern about what others will say, not because it's a reflection on him (after all, it's not his fault), but a reflection on Addie.

Then he sees Jewel coming up on his horse.

Anse says directly: "I told him it's doing such things that makes folks talk about him..."

Why is Darl laughing here? (n.b. it won't be the last time!) Take a moment and break down the absurdity of the situation, character by character.

Is this the reason Addie wanted to be buried in Jefferson?

Anse I (35-38)

"Anse vs. the Road"

Here, Anse complains about the government road and how it's ruined his life. This chapter allows us to see how Anse sees himself, which is a lot different from how the other characters view him, and nearly every reader who picks up the book. How does Anse describe himself?

Anse recalls an exchange with Addie where she says she's tired, not sick, and needs to lie down. Does Anse's nature help or hurt in this situation? How?

Keep the false teeth Anse covets in mind...this will come back again.

How does Anse view God (the "Old Marster")? How does this religious view fit in with Anse's personality?

Meanwhile, Vardaman returns from chopping up the fish, all bloody.