From our class discussions, it's pretty clear that we're not the biggest fans of Anse. Even the narrators, especially Vernon Tull, as lazy, weak, and clueless. Although these depictions are not unfounded, there are still some sympathetic parts to Anse that we should remember.
One of Anse's more notable traits is how he will die if he sweats. The lack of sweat on Anse's clothes is one of the main ways Vernon Tull can tell that it's not Jewel's clothes. As a result of his condition, Anse just sits on his porch and rubs his knees while his children work. Although this depiction is quite humorous, it is only applicable to Anse after his injury. It's mentioned in the story that Anse suffered a major injury. It's entirely possible that Anse's injury could've caused his current condition. In sports, there are injuries known as "career-ending." Perhaps Anse suffered a "work-ending" injury.
It's entirely plausible that Anse's current condition is caused by his past injury. His philosophy of vertical vs. horizontal beings, then, serves as a coping mechanism. Additionally, Anse has shown some effort to work in the story. For example, he offers to help Cash with the coffin (even though he ends up doing more harm than good).
Another moment where one can feel bad for Anse is when he's besides Addie's death bed. He "lays it [his hand] on her [Addie's] face and then on the hump of quilt where her hands are. He touches the quilt as he saw Dewey Dell do, trying to smoothe it up to the chin, but disarranging it instead. He tries to smoothe it again, clumsily..." (Faulkner 52). Anse is showing love in this moment, as he's trying to have a intimate moment with Addie before she dies. You can't not feel bad for a husband who's trying to be with his dying wife.
And the kicker is: Addie doesn't feel the same way about Anse. When Anse courts Addie, he's just a young man (without any parents too) with a little property looking to start a family. When they get married, Addie doesn't seem like the best wife either. The only child she willingly has with Anse is Cash. Even then, she still prefers Jewel, who isn't even Anse's son. Dewey Dell and Vardaman are only born because Addie feels as if she's obliged to, and the birth of Darl makes Addie want to kill Anse. She goes so far as to plan her revenge, which wouldn't happen for many years until she died.
Yes, Anse has a lot of flaws, but there are aspects of him which I can sympathize with.
He's doing the best he can.
