Dilsey

Dilsey clearly stands out as being the main force of love and motherhood in the last section of the novel, as she cares for Luster, Quentin, Mrs. Comspon, and Benjy. Though she often scolds Luster as any mother would do to a sometimes rebellious son, she stands up for him when she tells Jason, "Luster say he didn't do it," as Jason tries to figure out who broke his window. Mrs. Compson also shows her dependence on Dilsey as she cries out for help when she says, "you know I never let anyone take my keys Dilsey," as Jason pushes her aside, and takes her keys to enter Quentin's room. Dilsey therefore acts as a savior to everyone in the house excluding Jason, as she protects them and often repeats she will not let Jason hurt Quentin. Dilsey is also the only caring person present in Benjy's life, as she does not treat him with the disrespect the rest of the characters show him. When Fronny tells her folks talk at church when they see Benjy, Dilsey replies by saying, "Den you send um to me,"..."Tell um de good Lawd dont keer whether he bright or not." Dilsey therefore cares for each character, and often sacrifices herself to help any of the children. She helps to maintain some composure in the beginning of the section when Jason realizes Quentin is gone, as Dilsey reassures Mrs. Compson her daughter will be back, tells her to rest, brings Benjy to church, and calms down Luster.

Would the Compson family be able to function without her?
Do you think Dilsey acts as an obstacle towards Jason?