Benjy Compson: Autistic, or just an idiot?
There is something off about Benjy Compson. He could be found many times during his childhood slobbering and moaning, unable to say a word. Other times, crying and throwing temper tantrums for absolutely no reason. In The Sound And The Fury, Benjy is generally referred to as an idiot, or even a menace because of his actions. But based on modern findings on a condition discovered after the creation of Faulkner’s novel, would it be more appropriate to now label Benjy Compson as autistic, or is he simply still an idiot.
“Here, looney, Luster said. Here come some, hush your slobbering and moaning, now.” (Faulkner 53). Benjy possesses many traits of a person suffering with autism, the one present here being how he communicates
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Although when Benjy is making sounds, he is throwing temper tantrums and crying for no apparent reason, which is also a very common trait among autistic people. “Caddy held me. She smelled like trees.” (Faulkner 71). Another common characteristic of autism is that autistic persons rely more heavily on their senses than normal people, and in some cases even to recognize other people through these senses. Benjy oftenly comments that Versh smells like rain, and that Caddy smells like trees. When Caddy ceases to smell like trees, Benjy bellows menacingly. People suffering from autism have many powerful senses, especially for the senses of sight and touch. Benjy is especially fascinated by light, and anything with an interesting texture to it. Caddy seems to note this, and will many times use this knowledge to help calm Benjy down. For example, while Benjy is upset, Caddy will give Benjy a cushion to hold onto, while he stares at the fire, watching the room glow around him. Benjy’s liking to interesting visuals shows his drastic use of senses, and is