Cora II (21-25)

"Cora Explains It All"

In this chapter, Cora turns out to be kind of self-righteous...a real treat. Among other things, she accuses Jewel of valuing $3 more than a good-bye kiss.

As it turns out, Cora has been coming over for the past three weeks to be with Addie in her final moments "so...she would not have to face the Great Unknown without one familiar face to give her courage" (22).

Cora has accumulated a number of negative opinions toward the Bundren family. Think about what they are.

She doesn't understand Addie's desire to be buried in Jefferson. Addie's reason, which will be fully understood only much later, is an important one.

Cora attributes Addie's wanting to be propped up to a nasty motivation. What is it?

Dewey Dell appears to be too sad for words. What does Cora accuse Dewey Dell of?

Cora defends Darl, surprisingly, but does it in a backhanded way...saying that people say he is "queer" and "lazy" (24). By "queer," Faulkner means strange (this is 1929, remember.)

Based on what you have read so far, is Cora a reliable narrator?

Cora (6-9)

"Cora and the Cakes"

In this chapter we are introduced to Cora, as well as a number of other characters. Cora is helping out the household with some cooking out of a sense of Christian charity. We learn that she is entreprenurial, money-conscious, and more or less resigned to God's will, so she says.

We learn that Addie Bundren is old and wasted away, but not yet dead. She's covered with a heavy quilt despite the heat.

Cash continues on the coffin outside, unseen.