P. 57, Scene 64 (1928) I ate some cake.
P. 58, Scene 65 (1900) That's right, Dilsey said.
After a brief scene in the kitchen focusing on Benjy's 1928 birthday cake, his mind returns to the kitchen scene in 1900, when his name had just been changed. In this scene, we see that one of Dilsey's major characteristics is her simple but strong faith in the rightness of things. Her complete assurance that her own name is written in the Book attests to her strong faith. Even though she can't read, she believes that when her name is read, all she has to do is say "Ise here."
P. 58, Scene 66 (1928) The long wire came . . .
This scene aptly illustrates the selfish, whining neuroticism of Mrs. Compson. She is concerned only about her own comfort and thinks that everything is deliberately done to upset her. Even though she complains about the cake that Dilsey brings for Benjy's birthday, she will not lift a hand to do anything for Benjy under any circumstances. Whenever she tries to correct Benjy, she only makes him cry more. She has absolutely no understanding of his needs and would not take the trouble to soothe and comfort him — even if she knew how.
P. 61, Scene 67 (1900) Your name is Benjy, . . .
P. 61, Scene 68 (1898) . . . Caddy said. "Let me . . ."
P. 61, Scene 69 (1900) Versh set me down . . .
In Scene 66, Luster took Benjy out of the kitchen and into the library, where Benjy now remembers earlier scenes that took place in the library. In Scene 67 (1900), Benjy is being told about his name change; chronologically, then, this is one of the earliest of this set of scenes. Notice how Caddy's wanting to carry Benjy (in 1900) immediately evokes a scene two years earlier when Caddy also carried him. Scene 69 can be dated only by images; that is, the images of fire, the mirror, and the sickness are all connected with 1900, and, therefore, we assume this scene occurs in 1900. But more important, the scene further illustrates Mrs. Compson's self-centered concern for herself, thus filling out the picture of her as a selfish and neurotic woman.
