Jason Compson, is introduced (in fragments of Benjy's and Quentin's introspective sections) as the least sympathetic of the Compson siblings. While I don't disagree that he may exist as the ultimate arch-villain, it is important to note the circumstances which led Jason to become a misogynist, a racist, and an anti-semite by his section of the novel, April 6 1928. As we enter his section, it is apparent that Jason as developed into a monetarily focused, hateful and bitter man. He has no love for his family, the result of existing as a forgotten son, being denied chances and opportunities offered to his siblings, left as the last one to care for the mess of the Compson family. His chapter offers insight, and a perhaps more objective view on the information learned from the Benjy and Quentin chapters. As this information is gained and reexamined, we come to understand Compson family dynamics and discord, and perhaps begin to justify the man Jason becomes.
Throughout his life, Jason was the sole recipient of his mothers love. This proved a burden, rather than a nurturing situation, as her affection was both overbearing and neglectful. Jason's resentment for his siblings stems from unequal opportunities. As the second youngest Compson, he observed the sacrifices taken to assure Quentin a place at Harvard. Benjy's pasture was sold off; the money used for Quentin's year at school, and for Caddy's wedding to Herbert Head. This marriage would crumble as a result of her promiscuity - in turn, crumbling what Jason recognizes as his singular chance at opportunity. Jason was not given the opportunity of college, and Quentin's suicide was seen as a selfish decision - a waste of both money and education. Caddy's marriage provided Jason with a much needed advantage - a bank job, an opportunity lost when the marriage ended. Jason resents his sister, believing her promiscuity directly destroyed the only opportunity he had ever been given. In accordance with the Compson brothers, Jason too, is preoccupied with Caddy. His obsession however is far more selfish that that of Benji or Quentin, and it is Caddy that he rages against. He resents Ms. Quentin - the namesake of a hate brother, and product of a shamed sister.
His existence is is that of the Compson collective disappointment. He is left as head of a failed family, left to carry on the shamed Compson name, and collective family disappointments of a brothers suicide, a sisters shame and disappearance, a father who drunk himself to death. His burdens don't end with heading a ruined family. Jason is left with the burdens of a poisonous and suffocating other, a mentally incompetent brother, and Caddy's illegitimate child. He continues to struggle with past perceived wrongs, and becomes obsessive about seeing the past in the present. His discontent, be it present or bitter memories, are always focused upon the past - circling rage against Caddy, their father, and the Compson family history.
Throughout his life, Jason was the sole recipient of his mothers love. This proved a burden, rather than a nurturing situation, as her affection was both overbearing and neglectful. Jason's resentment for his siblings stems from unequal opportunities. As the second youngest Compson, he observed the sacrifices taken to assure Quentin a place at Harvard. Benjy's pasture was sold off; the money used for Quentin's year at school, and for Caddy's wedding to Herbert Head. This marriage would crumble as a result of her promiscuity - in turn, crumbling what Jason recognizes as his singular chance at opportunity. Jason was not given the opportunity of college, and Quentin's suicide was seen as a selfish decision - a waste of both money and education. Caddy's marriage provided Jason with a much needed advantage - a bank job, an opportunity lost when the marriage ended. Jason resents his sister, believing her promiscuity directly destroyed the only opportunity he had ever been given. In accordance with the Compson brothers, Jason too, is preoccupied with Caddy. His obsession however is far more selfish that that of Benji or Quentin, and it is Caddy that he rages against. He resents Ms. Quentin - the namesake of a hate brother, and product of a shamed sister.
His existence is is that of the Compson collective disappointment. He is left as head of a failed family, left to carry on the shamed Compson name, and collective family disappointments of a brothers suicide, a sisters shame and disappearance, a father who drunk himself to death. His burdens don't end with heading a ruined family. Jason is left with the burdens of a poisonous and suffocating other, a mentally incompetent brother, and Caddy's illegitimate child. He continues to struggle with past perceived wrongs, and becomes obsessive about seeing the past in the present. His discontent, be it present or bitter memories, are always focused upon the past - circling rage against Caddy, their father, and the Compson family history.
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