As I Lay Dying · Chapter
Macgowan explained
Macgowan, a drugstore clerk, encounters a young country woman seeking an abortion.
What happens
Macgowan, a drugstore clerk, encounters a young country woman seeking an abortion. He pretends to be a doctor, manipulates her into drinking a turpentine-like substance, and arranges a late-night meeting in the cellar, exploiting her desperation.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Endurance
Dewey Dell's desperate endurance of her unwanted pregnancy and her willingness to undergo a dangerous procedure highlight the theme of suffering.
Class and Poverty
Dewey Dell's rural, impoverished background makes her vulnerable to exploitation by MacGowan, who sees her as a mark.
Isolation and Community
Dewey Dell's isolation from proper medical care and community support forces her to trust a charlatan.
Characters to notice
- Dewey Dell Bundren
The country woman seeking help for an unwanted pregnancy; she is desperate and vulnerable.
- MacGowan
The drugstore clerk who impersonates a doctor and exploits Dewey Dell's situation.
- Jody
MacGowan's coworker who warns him about the boss and is complicit in the scheme.
Key passages
““It’s the female trouble,” she says, watching me. “I got the money,” she says.”
Dewey Dell explains her problem is gynecological and emphasizes she has money to pay.
Her directness reveals her desperation and the transactional nature of the encounter.
““You mean, you’re ready to right now?” I says. “Here?” “Gimme the medicine first,” she says.”
MacGowan asks if she is willing to proceed immediately, but she insists on receiving the medicine first.
Shows her caution despite her vulnerability, as she tries to secure the treatment before any further demands.
““Are you sure it’ll work?” she says. “Sure,” I says. “When you take the rest of the treatment.” “Where do I take it?” she says. “Down in the cellar,” I says.”
Dewey Dell asks for reassurance about the capsules, and MacGowan tells her the final part of the treatment will be in the cellar.
Highlights MacGowan's predatory manipulation and the ominous setting for the planned encounter.