A second irony is that Bon’s rejection at his father’s door is parallel to the episode where Sutpen was turned away from the plantation. Thus, Faulkner centers the story on Sutpen’s refusal to recognize his son, Charles.

And Charles’ search for a father is made more appealing because he doesn’t desire formal recognition, yet he is still ignored. Therefore, Bon feels that if he can’t receive willing recognition from his father, then he will force an acknowledgment from his father. Consequently, Bon’s insistence and firm determination-qualities which mark him as a Sutpen — to achieve recognition are the main factors causing both his death and the collapse of the design.

Therefore, Charles’ true personality is left in a cloud of mystery. Whether he risked his own life in order to save Henry because he loved Henry or because he wanted Henry alive to approve his incestuous marriage with Judith is impossible to determine. But the final impression of Bon is of a man determined to have his way even in the face of almost certain death — a quality that makes him truly a Sutpen.