Vardaman - Chapter 35 Summary

Vardaman watches the log strike the wagon, knocking Cash and Darl out of the wagon, while the mules are carried off in the current and drowned. Watching the disaster unfold in the river, Vardaman thinks that Darl has a hold on Addie's coffin, but then he sees Darl climb out of the river empty-handed.

Vardaman - Chapter 35 Analysis

The tragic scene unfolds. When Darl emerges empty-handed, the loss and tragedy is exposed—Addie's coffin has been lost to the river.