P. 17, Scene 12 (1898) . . . and Roskus came . . .
P. 17, Scene 13 (1898) She was wet.
In dating these two parts, we should again be aware of the time shift. Scene 12 consists of only two and one-half lines and occurs about an hour or so later than does Scene 13. The arrival at the branch then evokes scenes associated with this branch back in 1898, which are the easiest to date because the children talk about their ages. Also, throughout the Benjy section, this branch episode conforms most accurately to a chronological order.
The scenes at the branch present symbolically most of the themes and ideas of the novel in miniature. These scenes show symbolically the fate and characteristics of the characters in later life. First, Caddy's actions here are extremely significant. That she falls down and gets her drawers muddy symbolically suggests her later sexual promiscuity. Her utter disregard for her own appearance and her willingness to remove her clothes in front of the blacks are correlated with her later acts that defy accepted social behavior. Second, Quentin is seen as the rather quiet and taciturn person who is more concerned with Caddy's actions than he is with his own. Even this early in life, he tries to prevent Caddy from soiling herself. When Quentin slaps her and she falls down again, we could suggest that, symbolically, Quentin is partially responsible for Caddy's sin.
Aspects of Jason's character are suggested here also. He is seen playing by himself down the creek. His isolation foreshadows his later rejection of all the family ties and his total disregard for any family feelings. Finally, when Benjy sees that Caddy has a muddy behind, he begins to cry. Later in the novel when Caddy has actually been promiscuous, Benjy is able to sense her immorality and cries about it. Basically, then, the adult characteristics of all the Compson children are suggested here in miniature — Caddy's muddy behind, Quentin's intense concern over Caddy's behavior, Jason's rejection and disregard for the family, and Benjy's ability to intuitively sense deviations from the norm.
