These next three sections function as a type of interlude. They take the reader away from the funeral procession for a few moments, and we go briefly back into time. In a sense, Cora's section functions as an introduction to Addie's section, which is then followed by Whitfield's section.
One of Faulkner's greatnesses is the care that he lavishes on his minor characters. They stand out as separate entities along with their function of illuminating one of the major characters. Here, Cora, a minor character, receives that attention which causes her to become one of the memorable minor characters. Faulkner has perfectly captured the religious fanatic who spouts forth superficial religious axioms. But in reality she possesses a great deal of pride in being or thinking that she is humble. For example, we can evaluate Cora's comments by the fact that she thinks that Brother Whitfield is a godly man if ever any man is godly. And yet we later learn that the preacher Whitfield is the father of Jewel as a result of his adultery with Addie.
Cora's comments about Addie function as an introduction to Addie Bundren's only section. It is from Cora, the religious fanatic, that we hear Addie's statement that Jewel will be her salvation, that he will save her from the water and from the fire. Her statement carries with it a religious tone, and the prophecy is later fulfilled. That is, we have already seen Jewel saving Addie from the river, and later he will save her from the burning barn. Furthermore, it is only because Jewel sells his horse, the symbol of his love for his mother, that they are able to continue the funeral procession.
