Clay's Quilt Character Analysis

As the semester has progressed and many novels explored, one particular character emerges as being truly Appalachian: Clay from Clay’s Quilt. Of course he is not the only character that qualifies as being Appalachian, but he serves as the superlative illustration and expression of this culture. He exhibits several aspects of Appalachian culture including having a strong sense of family (whether alive or dead), displaying an adoration of music, and demonstrating an ultimate fondness of home and a longing to return there despite events that may have transpired. Clay’s devotion to and dependence upon his family members is evident throughout the entirety of House’s novel. Clay’s Quilt begins with one of the few recollections he has that include

Early on, Clay’s concept of home is tainted by the murder of his mother. Many eerie affairs transpire in Clay’s lifetime, but none surpass the death of Denzel. Although Clay killed Denzel in self-defense, this action haunted him exceedingly, especially after he learned how his mother was also killed by an ex-lover with a similar murder weapon. He and Alma spend time at Myrtle Beach in order to help him cope with his actions but, even then, Clay is ready to return home. He finally informs Alma that it is time to leave, and on the drive he eagerly notes that “the landscape began to look more and more like home” (House 285). Clay longs to go home and is prepared to face his shadowed past that accompanies his abode. Clay’s fondness for home and his insistence to return despite emotional obstacles certainly typifies him as an Appalachian character that is preferable to the other Appalachian characters. Clay, from Silas House’s Clay’s Quilt, demonstrates not just one facet of what it means to be Appalachian, but fulfills three incredibly significant aspects that are required by this culture. He possesses a strong sense of family, utterly adores music, and realizes that his only true home is found in the Appalachias. He is an extremely well-rounded man, casting him as an Appalachian character to shame all