“As I Lay Dying” is a novel written by William Faulkner. It was published in 1930 and is considered one of the most important works of American literature. The novel is set in rural Mississippi and tells the story of the Bundren family, who are on a journey to bury their matriarch, Addie Bundren.
Throughout the novel, Faulkner uses a variety of literary techniques to explore themes such as death, family, and the human condition. One of the most notable aspects of the novel is its use of multiple narrators, each providing their own perspective on the events that unfold. This technique allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, as well as the complex relationships between them.
Many scholars and critics have interpreted “As I Lay Dying” as an allegory for the human experience. The novel’s exploration of death and the journey to the afterlife has been seen as a metaphor for the human journey through life and the search for meaning and purpose. Additionally, the novel’s use of multiple narrators has been interpreted as a commentary on the subjective nature of truth and the difficulty of understanding others.
Background on “As I Lay Dying”
“As I Lay Dying” is a novel written by William Faulkner and published in 1930. The novel is set in the fictional town of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, and tells the story of the Bundren family’s journey to bury their matriarch, Addie Bundren. The novel is known for its unique style and structure, which features multiple narrators and a stream-of-consciousness narrative technique.
Faulkner’s writing style in “As I Lay Dying” is characterized by his use of complex and lengthy paragraphs that are trimmed down to form a clear, unified plot. The novel is considered a representative work of literary modernism, a movement that established itself in the early 20th century. The novel’s structure requires readers to take an active part in constructing the narrative, as it is fragmented into 59 segments voiced from 15 different perspectives.
The title of the novel is derived from William Marris’s 1925 translation of Homer’s Odyssey, referring to the similar themes of both works. The novel is consistently ranked among the best novels of the 20th century and is a testament to the power of Faulkner’s writing style.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbols, characters, and events to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. It is often used to convey complex or controversial themes in a way that is more accessible to readers. Allegories can be found in various forms of literature, including novels, short stories, and poems.
One of the most famous examples of allegory in literature is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” which uses farm animals to represent political figures and events in the Soviet Union. Another well-known allegory is “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan, which uses a journey to represent the Christian life.
Allegories often rely on symbolism to convey their meaning. For example, in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” the letter “A” that Hester Prynne is forced to wear represents her sin of adultery. Similarly, in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies,” the conch shell represents civilization and order.
Allegorical Elements in “As I Lay Dying”
William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying” is a complex novel that contains several allegorical elements. These elements add depth and meaning to the story, and help to convey Faulkner’s themes and messages. This section will explore some of the most significant allegorical elements in the novel.
Addie Bundren’s Coffin
Addie Bundren’s coffin is one of the most prominent allegorical elements in “As I Lay Dying.” The coffin represents death and the journey that all people must make towards it. The Bundren family’s journey to Jefferson to bury Addie’s coffin is a metaphorical journey towards death, and the difficulties they encounter along the way represent the struggles that people face in life.
The Journey to Jefferson
The journey to Jefferson is another important allegorical element in the novel. The journey represents the journey of life, and the difficulties and obstacles that people encounter along the way. The journey is also a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life, and the different characters’ reactions to the journey reflect their different attitudes towards life.
Bundren Family Dynamics
The dynamics of the Bundren family are also allegorical in nature. The family represents the dysfunction and disconnection that can exist within families, and the conflicts between the family members reflect the conflicts that can arise in any family. The family’s journey towards Jefferson is also a metaphor for the process of healing and reconciliation within families.
Vardaman’s Fish
Vardaman’s fish is a small but significant allegorical element in the novel. The fish represents the fragility and impermanence of life, and Vardaman’s reaction to the fish represents the different ways that people can react to death and loss. The fish also serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all life, and the way that one small event can have a ripple effect on the entire world.
Character Analysis and Allegory
Anse Bundren
Anse Bundren, the patriarch of the Bundren family, is a lazy and selfish man. He is more concerned about his own comfort than the well-being of his family. He is willing to go to great lengths to avoid work, including borrowing tools and money from his neighbors. Anse’s lack of concern for his family is symbolic of the selfishness that can be found in human nature.
Darl Bundren
Darl Bundren is one of the most complex characters in the novel. He is intelligent and perceptive, but he is also mentally unstable. His ability to see through the façade of his family members makes him an outcast. Darl is symbolic of the truth that lies beneath the surface of human behavior. His mental instability represents the chaos that can be found in the human mind.
Cash Bundren
Cash Bundren is the eldest son of the Bundren family. He is a skilled carpenter and is responsible for building his mother’s coffin. Cash’s dedication to his work is symbolic of the value of hard work and dedication. His commitment to building the coffin also represents the importance of honoring the dead.
Dewey Dell Bundren
Dewey Dell Bundren is the only daughter of the Bundren family. She is pregnant and is desperate to get an abortion. Dewey Dell’s desire to control her own body is symbolic of the struggle for autonomy that women have faced throughout history. Her pregnancy also represents the idea of new life and the hope that comes with it.
Jewel Bundren
Jewel Bundren is the illegitimate son of Addie Bundren. He is fiercely independent and is often at odds with the rest of the family. Jewel’s independence is symbolic of the human desire for freedom and autonomy. His status as an illegitimate child also represents the idea of societal norms and the consequences of breaking them.
Themes and Motifs
Isolation and Communication
In As I Lay Dying, isolation and communication are recurring themes. The characters are often alone and unable to connect with one another, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Anse, for example, is unable to communicate his feelings to his family, leading them to believe he is callous and uncaring. Similarly, Darl’s inability to connect with those around him leads to his eventual breakdown.
Religion and Morality
Religion and morality are also prominent themes in the novel. The characters often use religious language and imagery to make sense of their experiences. However, their actions often contradict the moral principles they claim to uphold. For example, Anse claims to be a devout Christian, but his selfishness and laziness suggest otherwise. This disconnect between belief and action highlights the hypocrisy of organized religion.
Mortality and Existence
Finally, As I Lay Dying explores the themes of mortality and existence. Death is a constant presence in the novel, and the characters are forced to confront their own mortality. This leads them to question the meaning of life and the purpose of their existence. The novel suggests that life is ultimately meaningless, and that death is the only certainty. However, the characters continue to struggle against this inevitability, clinging to their beliefs and desires in the face of death.
Faulkner’s Narrative Technique
As I Lay Dying, a novel by William Faulkner, is known for its unique narrative technique. Faulkner uses multiple narrators to tell the story, each with their own distinct voice and perspective. This technique allows the reader to see the events of the story from different angles and gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
The novel is divided into fifty-nine sections, each narrated by a different character. Faulkner’s use of stream-of-consciousness writing further enhances the individuality of each character’s voice. By allowing characters to express their thoughts and feelings in a free-flowing, unfiltered manner, the reader gains a deeper understanding of their personalities and motivations.
Faulkner’s narrative technique also serves to highlight the theme of the novel. As I Lay Dying is an allegory for the human condition, and the use of multiple narrators emphasizes the idea that everyone experiences life differently. Just as each character has their own unique perspective on the events of the novel, each person has their own unique perspective on life.
Critical Reception of Allegorical Aspects
As a novel that employs allegory, “As I Lay Dying” has been subject to critical scrutiny. Some literary critics have praised Faulkner’s use of allegory in the novel, while others have criticized it.
One of the main criticisms of the novel’s allegorical aspects is that they are too obscure and difficult to decipher. Some critics argue that the novel’s complex narrative structure makes it difficult for readers to understand the symbolic meaning behind the characters and events.
However, other critics have praised Faulkner’s use of allegory in the novel, arguing that it adds depth and complexity to the narrative. They argue that Faulkner’s use of allegory allows him to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is not possible through a straightforward narrative.
Interpreting Allegory: Reader’s Perspective
Interpreting allegory in literature can be a challenging task, as it requires readers to delve deeper into the text to uncover the underlying meanings. In the case of William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying,” readers can interpret the novel’s allegory from their own perspectives.
One way to approach the allegory in “As I Lay Dying” is to consider the themes of death and rebirth. The novel depicts the journey of the Bundren family as they transport their deceased matriarch, Addie, to her final resting place. Along the way, the family members face various challenges and obstacles, which can be seen as symbolic of the struggles of life. However, the novel also offers glimpses of hope and renewal, as the characters find ways to overcome their difficulties and continue on their journey.
Another way to interpret the allegory in “As I Lay Dying” is to consider the characters themselves as symbols. Each member of the Bundren family represents a different aspect of human nature, from the selfishness of Anse to the determination of Jewel. By examining the characters’ actions and motivations, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and messages.