Essay on The Symbolism of Moseley in As I Lay Dying

In William Faulkners As I Lay Dying, Moseley provides the reader an escape from the delusional world of the Bundrens and a glimpse of society, as it should be. Appearing only once in the novel, the elderly pharmacist is essential in emphasizing Faulkners theme of moral values over self-seeking voracity in that he defends what he knows is right at all costs. Moseley is introduced in the small town of Mottson, where Dewey Dell wanders into his drugstore store with ten dollars from Lafe, and the intention of eliminating the female trouble. (200) After much confusion, it is made clear that Dewey Dell wants an abortion, treatment that Moseley repeatedly refuses, despite her persistency. Discouraged, Dewey Dell eventually leaves, after†¦show more content†¦In the novel, Moseley highlights the cause of the Bundren familys dysfunction by providing positive contrast against their warped morality. Throughout their journey, almost all of the characters are depicted as simple-minde d people from the country, lacking ethics and motivated only by selfish desires. While Jewel, Cash, and Dewey Dell are all focused on their own single object, task, or problem, and Anse with gaining possessions for himself, Moseley cares for others. He instructs Dewey Dell to take that ten dollars and get married with it. (203) Later in the novel, after Dewey Dell had been tricked in her second attempt at an abortion, Anse steals the money to spend on himself. Dissimilar to Anse and McGowan, Moseley is honest, despite the fact he could have easily deceived Dewey Dell in the same ways. Faulkner uses these virtuous qualities of Moseley to distinguish the corrupt traits of the Bundrens. Throughout the novel, Faulkners themes of religion are illustrated, Moseley being a prime example of this. His name is parallel to the biblical character Moses, a Godly man of great obedience and virtue who has qualities alike to Faulkners character Moseley. When confronted by Dewey Dell about an abortion treatment, Moseley states he has been a church member for 56 years, (202) implying Faulkners beliefs of abortion as morally wrong and sacrilegious. The context implies that Moseley is fascinated byShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesLibrary of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Robbins, Stephen P. Organizational behavior / Stephen P. Robbins, Timothy A. Judge. — 15th ed. p. cm. Includes indexes. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-283487-2 ISBN-10: 0-13-283487-1 1. Organizational behavior. I. Judge, Tim. II. Title. HD58.7.R62 2012 658.3—dc23 2011038674 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN 10: 0-13-283487-1 ISBN 13: 978-0-13-283487-2 Brief Contents Preface xxii 1 2 Introduction 1 What Is Organizational Behavior? 3 The Individual