Caddy put her arms around me, and her shining veil, and I couldn't smell trees anymore and I began to cry.
In this evocative moment from "The Sound and the Fury," the protagonist experiences a profound shift in his surroundings and emotions. Caddy's embrace signifies comfort and connection, yet it also marks a departure from the natural world. The reference to the veil symbolizes a barrier that obscures the beauty of nature, leading to a sense of loss. The inability to smell the trees indicates a disconnect from innocence and purity.
The act of crying reveals deep emotional turmoil, suggesting feelings of sadness and nostalgia. This juxtaposition of intimacy and sorrow highlights the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of the characters in Faulkner's narrative. Ultimately, this moment encapsulates the themes of memory, loss, and the longing for simpler times that permeate the novel.