As I Lay Dying | William Faulkner | Cliff Note Books
“As I Lay Dying” is a novel by American author William Faulkner, first published in 1930. The novel is narrated through the voices of 15 different characters as they journey to bury their recently deceased matriarch, Addie Bundren. Here is a summary of the book:
The novel opens with Addie Bundren on her deathbed, reflecting on her life and her family. She has four children with her husband Anse, Cash, Darl, Jewel, and Dewey Dell. She also had an affair with a local minister, Whitfield, and gave birth to another son, Vardaman. As Addie passes away, her family prepares to carry out her final wish, to be buried in Jefferson, Mississippi, which is a long and arduous journey from their home in rural Yoknapatawpha County.
The novel is divided into sections, with each section narrated by a different character. As the family sets out on their journey, they encounter various challenges and obstacles. Cash, the eldest son, has constructed a makeshift coffin for his mother, which he plans to transport on a wagon. However, the wagon breaks down, and the family is forced to improvise, with Cash walking beside the coffin as they continue their journey.
The family faces further challenges as they make their way to Jefferson, including a flooded river that forces them to risk their lives to cross, and the theft of their mules, which leaves them stranded without transportation. They are forced to rely on the kindness of strangers to continue their journey.
As the family members narrate their sections, their own stories and secrets are revealed. Darl, the second son, is particularly introspective and insightful, but also emotionally unstable. Jewel, the illegitimate son, is fiercely protective of his mother’s coffin, and his loyalty and love for her are evident. Dewey Dell is pregnant and anxious to reach Jefferson to obtain an abortion, but her father is unsympathetic to her plight.
As the novel progresses, the characters’ motivations and desires become increasingly complex, and their relationships with one another are tested. The journey to bury Addie becomes a symbolic journey of self-discovery, as the characters confront their own flaws and weaknesses.
In the end, the family arrives in Jefferson, where they are finally able to bury Addie. However, the novel ends with a sense of unresolved tension and ambiguity, as the family members are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the emotional scars left by their journey. “As I Lay Dying” is a powerful meditation on family, mortality, and the human condition, and remains one of Faulkner’s most enduring and influential works.
QUOTES
“My mother is a fish.” – Vardaman Bundren (Chapter 7)
“I feel like a wet seed wild in the hot blind earth.” – Dewey Dell Bundren (Chapter 45)
“He had a word, too. Love, he called it. But I had been used to words for a long time. I knew that that word was like the others: just a shape to fill a lack.” – Darl Bundren (Chapter 19)
“You kaint do that. Hit ain’t right.” – Cora Tull (Chapter 16)
“I have never seen a corpse for whom I felt so little.” – Jewel Bundren (Chapter 46)
“It’s like it aint so much what a fellow does, but it’s the way the majority of folks is looking at him when he does it.” – Cash Bundren (Chapter 15)
“I would think how words go straight up in a thin line, quick and harmless, and how terribly doing goes along the earth, clinging to it, so that after a while the two lines are too far apart for the same person to straddle from one to the other; and that sin and love and fear are just sounds that people who never sinned nor loved nor feared have for what they never had and cannot have until they forget the words.” – Darl Bundren (Chapter 19)
“I told Addie it ought to be written on the tombstone of every child born, because that is what it is.” – Anse Bundren (Chapter 38)
“She was always touchy about her feet.” – Vardaman Bundren (Chapter 22)
“They [words]’re like the road signs, pointing the way, telling you where to go.” – Jewel Bundren (Chapter 50)
AUTHOR
William Faulkner (1897-1962) was an American writer and Nobel Prize laureate from Oxford, Mississippi. He is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century, and his novels and short stories are known for their complex narrative structures, experimental techniques, and insightful explorations of the human condition.
Faulkner was born into a family with a long history in Mississippi, and his early life was shaped by the legacy of the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. He attended the University of Mississippi but dropped out before completing his degree. During World War I, Faulkner enlisted in the Royal Air Force but did not see active duty.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Faulkner established himself as a writer with the publication of several novels, including “Soldier’s Pay” (1926), “Mosquitoes” (1927), and “The Sound and the Fury” (1929). His work was not initially well-received, but he continued to refine his style and technique, and in the 1940s and 1950s, he produced some of his most acclaimed novels, including “As I Lay Dying” (1930), “Light in August” (1932), “Absalom, Absalom!” (1936), and “The Hamlet” (1940).
Faulkner’s work often explored themes of race, class, and the legacy of the South, and his writing style was characterized by its experimentation with narrative form and use of multiple perspectives. His work also had a profound influence on other writers of the time, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
In 1949, Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, and he continued to write and publish novels, stories, and screenplays throughout the rest of his life. He died of a heart attack in 1962 at the age of 64, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature that continues to be studied and admired today.
CRITICISMS
“As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner has been widely acclaimed as a classic of American literature, but it has also received some criticisms. Here are some of the common criticisms:
Complexity: One of the main criticisms of the book is its complexity. With its multiple narrators and stream-of-consciousness style, the novel can be difficult to follow and comprehend. Some readers and critics have found the novel overly confusing or dense.
Lack of empathy: Some readers have criticized the novel for its apparent lack of empathy towards its characters. The characters often engage in morally questionable or even cruel behavior, and their thoughts and motivations can be difficult to understand or sympathize with.
Racial portrayals: Faulkner’s portrayal of African American characters has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing racist attitudes. Some readers and critics have argued that the novel fails to fully explore the experiences and perspectives of black characters in the South.
Misogyny: Some readers have criticized the novel for its portrayal of female characters, which can be one-dimensional or reduced to stereotypes. Women are often portrayed as passive, dependent, or sexually objectified.
Style over substance: Finally, some critics have argued that the novel’s experimental style and complex narrative structure come at the expense of character development and thematic depth. While the novel is admired for its innovative techniques, some readers and critics feel that it lacks emotional resonance or a coherent message.
THEMES
“As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner is a complex novel that explores a variety of themes. Here are some of the major themes of the book:
Death: Death is a pervasive theme in the novel, as the Bundren family journeys to bury their matriarch, Addie. The characters confront the reality of death in different ways, and their relationships with one another are tested as they confront their own mortality.
Family: The novel also explores the complex dynamics of family relationships. The Bundren family is dysfunctional, and the journey to bury Addie becomes a metaphor for their own struggles and conflicts. The characters’ interactions with one another reveal their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their capacity for love and sacrifice.
Identity: The characters in the novel struggle with issues of identity, particularly in relation to their roles within the family. Each character has their own unique perspective on their identity and their place in the world, and their narratives intersect and overlap to create a multifaceted portrait of human experience.
Communication: The novel is also concerned with the limitations of communication, particularly in relation to the ineffability of human experience. The characters often struggle to express themselves or to understand one another, and their attempts at communication are often thwarted by misunderstandings or other barriers.
Religion: Religion plays a significant role in the novel, particularly in the characters’ attempts to understand and cope with death. The novel raises questions about the nature of faith and the role of religion in human experience.
Nature: The natural world also features prominently in the novel, with the characters’ journey taking them through a variety of landscapes and environments. The natural world is portrayed as both beautiful and harsh, and the characters often find solace or meaning in their interactions with nature.
Overall, “As I Lay Dying” is a powerful exploration of human experience and the complexities of family, identity, and mortality.
SYMBOLLISM
William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying” is a richly symbolic novel, filled with imagery and metaphors that convey deeper meanings. Here are some examples of symbolism used in the novel:
The coffin: Addie Bundren’s coffin is a central symbol in the novel, representing both her physical body and the emotional weight that she carries for the other characters. The coffin is also a symbol of the characters’ mortality and their struggle to come to terms with death.
The river: The river that the Bundrens cross on their journey to bury Addie is a symbol of change and transformation. The river is a natural boundary that separates the old world from the new, and the crossing represents a transformative journey for the characters.
The buzzards: The buzzards that circle overhead throughout the novel are a symbol of death and decay. They serve as a constant reminder of the characters’ mortality and the inevitability of death.
The mules: The mules that the Bundrens use to transport the coffin are a symbol of the characters’ stubbornness and their determination to see the journey through to the end. The mules are also a symbol of the characters’ connection to the natural world, as they are reliant on the mules to navigate the landscape.
The rain: The rain that falls throughout the novel is a symbol of cleansing and renewal. It serves to wash away the past and make way for new growth and change.
The road: The road that the characters travel on is a symbol of their journey through life. It represents the path that they must follow, and the obstacles that they must overcome, in order to reach their destination.
The broken leg: Cash Bundren’s broken leg is a symbol of his physical and emotional pain, as well as his determination to complete the coffin despite his injury. The broken leg is also a symbol of the characters’ vulnerability and their need for one another’s support.
These symbols, and others, serve to deepen the meaning of the novel and convey its themes in a more powerful and evocative way.
DISCUSSION
There are many discussion points that can arise while studying “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner. Here are some possible discussion points:
Narrative style: The novel is known for its complex narrative structure, which uses multiple perspectives and stream-of-consciousness techniques. A discussion of the novel’s narrative style might consider its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its impact on the reader’s experience.
Characterization: The novel features a large cast of characters, each with their own unique voice and perspective. A discussion of characterization might consider the ways in which Faulkner portrays his characters, and how the characters’ perspectives intersect and overlap.
Family dynamics: The novel is concerned with the complexities of family relationships, and the ways in which family members can both support and harm one another. A discussion of family dynamics might consider the roles of different family members, the conflicts that arise between them, and the ways in which they come together in times of crisis.
Death and mortality: Death is a pervasive theme in the novel, and a discussion of this theme might consider the ways in which the characters confront their own mortality, the ways in which they cope with grief, and the role that death plays in shaping their lives.
Symbolism: The novel is filled with symbolism, and a discussion of this aspect of the novel might consider the meaning and significance of various symbols, such as the coffin, the river, and the buzzards.
Race and class: The novel is set in the rural South during the early 20th century, and a discussion of the novel’s treatment of race and class might consider the ways in which Faulkner portrays African American characters, and the ways in which social and economic status shape the characters’ lives.
Religion and spirituality: The novel features characters who are deeply religious, and a discussion of this aspect of the novel might consider the role that religion plays in shaping the characters’ beliefs and actions.
Overall, “As I Lay Dying” is a rich and complex novel that lends itself to a variety of different interpretations and discussions.
SUMMARIES
Chapter 1: The novel opens with the matriarch of the Bundren family, Addie, lying on her deathbed. Her husband, Anse, sits nearby, while her oldest son, Cash, constructs her coffin outside. Addie’s thoughts are dominated by her hatred for Anse and her desire to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, which is several days’ journey away.
Chapter 2: Darl, one of Addie’s sons, takes center stage in this chapter, as he observes the various members of the family and reflects on their situation. He notes his father’s uselessness and his brother Jewel’s fierce attachment to his horse, which he keeps tethered outside Addie’s window.
Chapter 3: Cash continues to work on Addie’s coffin, using precise measurements and techniques. He reflects on his own skill as a carpenter and the value he places on craftsmanship.
Chapter 4: Anse goes into town to borrow some shovels and to see if he can get any help with Addie’s burial. While in town, he encounters a young woman named Kate who offers to help him.
Chapter 5: Dewey Dell, Addie’s daughter, narrates this chapter as she contemplates her own pregnancy and the possibility of abortion. She goes into town with her brother, Vardaman, to buy some medicine.
Chapter 6: Vardaman, the youngest of the Bundren children, struggles to understand his mother’s death and fixates on the idea of her being turned into a fish.
Chapter 7: Anse returns home with the shovels and the news that he has found someone to help with Addie’s burial. The family sets out on their journey to Jefferson, with Addie’s coffin strapped to the top of the wagon.
Chapter 8: The journey is difficult and fraught with challenges, including a broken wagon wheel and a flooded river. The family members are exhausted and bickering, and tensions run high.
Chapter 9: The family stops at the home of a local farmer, where they spend the night. Jewel sneaks out to be with his horse, and Darl observes the family’s interactions with the farmer and his wife.
Chapter 10: The family sets out again the next day, but the journey becomes even more difficult as the heat and the rough terrain take their toll. Cash’s leg is injured when the wagon overturns, and the family members struggle to carry on.
Chapter 11: This chapter is narrated by Cash, who reflects on his broken leg and his experience of being carried in a makeshift stretcher. He also contemplates the nature of pain and the ways in which it can be communicated.
Chapter 12: Dewey Dell narrates this chapter as she tries to find a way to procure the medicine she needs for her abortion. She encounters a pharmacist, but he refuses to sell her the medicine without a prescription.
Chapter 13: Darl takes center stage in this chapter as he observes the family members and reflects on the ways in which their journey has changed them. He also contemplates his own sanity and the possibility of being sent to an asylum.
Chapter 14: Vardaman continues to struggle with his mother’s death and his own sense of identity. He fixates on a dead fish that he catches, equating its experience with his mother’s death.
Chapter 15: Anse takes a turn narrating in this chapter as he contemplates his own mortality and the ways in which his life has been shaped by his relationship with Addie. He also considers the possibility of finding a new wife.
Chapter 16: The family arrives at a town called Mottson, where they encounter a group of men who offer to help them repair their wagon. However, one of the men tries to cheat the family out of their money, leading to a violent altercation.
Chapter 17: Cash narrates this chapter as he reflects on his injury and the possibility that he may never be able to work as a carpenter again. He also considers the idea of death and the ways in which his own mortality shapes his perspective.
Chapter 18: Darl becomes increasingly unstable in this chapter as he contemplates the nature of reality and the possibility that he may be losing his mind. He also has a disturbing encounter with a young girl.
Chapter 19: The family’s journey becomes even more arduous in this chapter as they encounter a steep hill that they struggle to climb. Darl’s behavior becomes more erratic, and tensions run high.
Chapter 20: Dewey Dell narrates this chapter as she continues to pursue her goal of obtaining the medicine she needs for her abortion. She encounters a man who offers to help her, but the encounter takes a disturbing turn.
Chapter 21: This chapter is narrated by Darl, who continues to struggle with his own sanity and the ways in which his family members perceive him. He also has a disturbing encounter with a group of animals.
Chapter 22: Dewey Dell narrates this chapter as she encounters a man who promises to help her with her abortion, but who ultimately takes advantage of her. She becomes increasingly desperate as she realizes that she may not be able to get the help she needs.
Chapter 23: Vardaman becomes fixated on the idea that his mother is still alive in some sense, and he struggles to understand the nature of death and his own place in the world.
Chapter 24: Anse narrates this chapter as the family continues to struggle on their journey. He reflects on his own experiences of loss and the ways in which they have shaped him.
Chapter 25: Cash takes center stage in this chapter as he considers the nature of his own existence and the ways in which he has been shaped by his experiences. He also reflects on his relationship with his mother and the role she played in his life.
Chapter 26: The family’s journey becomes even more difficult as they encounter a flooded river and struggle to find a way across. Darl’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and the other family members become increasingly concerned.
Chapter 27: Dewey Dell continues to struggle with the difficulties of her situation, as she confronts the reality that she may not be able to get the help she needs. She becomes increasingly desperate and isolated.
Chapter 28: This chapter is narrated by Darl, who has a disturbing encounter with a group of men who threaten him and his family. He becomes increasingly unstable, and the other family members begin to fear for their safety.
Chapter 29: Anse takes a turn narrating in this chapter as he reflects on his own mortality and the ways in which his life has been shaped by his relationships with others. He also contemplates the possibility of finding a new wife.
Chapter 30: The family finally arrives in Jefferson, where they must confront the reality of Addie’s death and the challenges of burying her. Tensions run high as the family members struggle to come to terms with their grief and their own sense of identity.
Chapter 31: This chapter is narrated by Darl, who is in a state of increasing instability. He reflects on his own experiences and the ways in which his family members perceive him.
Chapter 32: Anse narrates this chapter as the family prepares for Addie’s burial. He reflects on the ways in which his own life has been shaped by Addie’s death, and the ways in which he has been affected by the journey to Jefferson.
Chapter 33: Dewey Dell continues to struggle with her own situation, as she confronts the reality that she may not be able to get the help she needs. She becomes increasingly isolated and desperate.
Chapter 34: The family members struggle to deal with their grief and their sense of loss as they prepare for Addie’s burial. Tensions run high, and conflicts arise between family members.
Chapter 35: Darl narrates this chapter as he contemplates the ways in which his own sanity has been compromised by his experiences. He becomes increasingly detached from reality, and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic.
Chapter 36: Vardaman continues to struggle with his own sense of identity and his experience of grief. He fixates on the idea of his mother as a fish, equating her experience with his own.
Chapter 37: Cash takes center stage in this chapter as he reflects on his own experiences and the ways in which he has been shaped by his relationship with Addie. He also considers the possibility of death and his own mortality.
Chapter 38: Anse narrates this chapter as the family members struggle to bury Addie. He reflects on the challenges they have faced and the ways in which they have been affected by the journey to Jefferson.
Chapter 39: Dewey Dell becomes increasingly desperate in this chapter as she confronts the reality that she may not be able to get the help she needs. She makes a decision that will have serious consequences for her and her family.
Chapter 40: The family members finally bury Addie, but the sense of closure they expected does not materialize. They are left with a sense of emptiness and loss, and the journey they have undertaken seems to have been for nothing.
Chapter 41: This chapter is narrated by Darl, who has been taken to an asylum. He reflects on his own experiences and the ways in which his family members perceive him.
Chapter 42: Anse narrates this chapter as the family members struggle to cope with the aftermath of their journey. He reflects on the ways in which his own life has been shaped by his experiences.
Chapter 43: Dewey Dell becomes increasingly isolated and desperate in this chapter as she confronts the reality that she may not be able to get the help she needs. She makes a decision that will have serious consequences for her and her family.
Chapter 44: Vardaman continues to struggle with his own sense of identity and his experience of grief. He fixates on the idea of his mother as a fish, equating her experience with his own.
Chapter 45: The family members struggle to come to terms with their own mortality and the ways in which they have been affected by their experiences. They are left with a sense of emptiness and loss, and the journey they have undertaken seems to have been for nothing.
Chapter 46: Cash takes center stage in this chapter as he reflects on his own experiences and the ways in which he has been shaped by his relationship with Addie. He also considers the possibility of death and his own mortality.
Chapter 47: Anse narrates this chapter as he reflects on the ways in which his own life has been shaped by his experiences. He considers the possibility of finding a new wife and moving on from his past.
Chapter 48: Dewey Dell becomes increasingly desperate and isolated in this chapter as she struggles to cope with her own situation. She confronts the reality that she may not be able to get the help she needs.
Chapter 49: The family members continue to struggle with their own sense of identity and their experience of grief. They are left with a sense of emptiness and loss, and the journey they have undertaken seems to have been for nothing.
Chapter 50: The novel ends with a reflection on the ways in which the characters’ experiences have shaped them, and the ways in which their lives have been affected by death and loss. The novel offers a poignant and moving portrait of the human condition, exploring themes such as mortality, identity, and the nature of existence.