William Faulkners

AS I LAY DYING

Concept Analysis

Christina Willey

English 378

February 18, 2009

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Organizational Patterns; Synopsis:

As I Lay Dying is a novel that tells the story of a family that loses their mother, Addie, and the
subsequent journey to take her body to rest in Jefferson. The family encounters many people
during their travels, witnessing different types of lifestyles and peoples. Through the novel,
various issues and family dynamics are explored.

Throughout the book, the sections are divided depending on which character is being discussed.
However, most of the first section of the book is presented through Darls, the middle sons,
perspective. From this view, we as readers are able to witness significant insights to the
differing characters and the story as approached from an overall viewpoint.

We should also note the different types of language styles used. With each character, the style
is altered slightly. Although they all speak with a southern flavor based on African American
regional dialect, there are minor differences in how they speak about other characters and
events within the novel. The following are some examples from the novel:

Anse speaks with a southern flavor; however, his voice seems to be influenced by the older
African American dialect: Durn that road. And it fixing to rain, too. I can stand here and same
as see it with secondsight, ashutting down behind then like a wall, shutting down betwixt
them and my given promise. I do the best I can, much as I can get my mind on anything, but
durn them boys (35).

Armstid, a local farmer, has a very heavy southern dialect: But time I give him another sup of
whisky and supper was about ready, he had done already bought a team from somebody, on a
credit. Picking and choosing he were by then, saying how he didnt like this span and wouldnt
put his money in nothing soandso owned, not even a hen coop (184).

Cora, in contrast, speaks extremely eloquently with less of a southern drawl: It was the
sweetest thing I ever saw. It was like he knew he would never see her again, that Anse Bundren
was driving him from his mothers death bed, never to see her in this world again. I always said
Darl was different from those others. I always said he was the only one of them that had his
mothers nature, had any natural affection (21).

Darl is the most articulate of the Bundren kids and uses stronger sentence structure and
vocabulary choice: He comes up the lane fast, yet we are three hundred yards beyond the
mouth of it when he turns into the road, the mud flying beneath the flicking drive of the hooves.
Then he slows a little, light and erect in the saddle, the horse mincing through the mud (107).

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 Issues Related to this Study of Literature:

Themes:

Family is a major theme within this text. Although

Faulkner has created a fictional southern world, it is
similar to the poor southern society during the Civil
War Era. Thus, family units today are drastically
changed. We should ask ourselves: How is family
defined in my world in comparison to the society
depicted within the novel?

Through analyzing the relationship between Addie and

Anse, it can be concluded that the family units in Faulkners society were organized out of a
need to survive; not always based on love or choice. In the relationships that Dewey Dell, the
only Bundren daughter, experiences it is evident that she attempts to imitate her perspective of
family through the creation of multiple relationships. However, when trials and hardship come
(such as unexpected pregnancy) she is left to fend for herself.

Another major theme is Christianity and the role of God in life and death. There are many
references to God as giving life. Both Anse and Tull express this concept when they say, The
Lord giveth (30). However, Gods role in death is less prevalent. When discussing the death of
Annie, some characters demonstrate a doubt of Gods role. Instead portraying that to die was
Annies choice. When Mr. Tull is talking about the passing of Annie, he states, It was her own
wish . . . I heard Anse say it was (23). This statement can be interpreted as expressing that her
desire to die determined her choice of death, thus it came because she had give up the will to
live. These opposing concepts place the ideals of human will verses Gods will in contradiction.
In addition, if life and God are connected, what is the perspective taken on Dewey Dells
pregnancy out of wedlock? Is she overstepping her boundaries into the role of God? It is
interesting that there is evidence that humans choose their life pathway, but simultaneously
blame some of lifes hardships on God and the supposedly unavoidable outcomes.

Throughout As I Lay Dying, the theme of survival is evident. There are many types of survival
evident; survival of the living, survival of relationships, and survival in regards to death. The
survival of the living is addressed through the conflict between having to work on the farm.
While Darl wants to support his mother and see her through her agony, he is constantly
thinking about the work that must be done. He recognizes that even though the family is
undergoing trials, a certain amount of attention cannot be taken from the farm. And the
mothers quick death is illustrated as her choice to escape this world. She is able to make a
conscious decision to leave the heartache behind and the unemotional marriage to escape pain.

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In this sense, sometimes survival requires death. On the other hand, the father moves very
quickly to a new wife, demonstrating that some survive through not getting attached to people.
People are not always going to be there, so it is the idea of the relationship verses the individual
that gains importance.

Setting:

I wasnt able to find any evidence that this novel is set in

a specific time frame; however, from the language and
lifestyle of the family, we as readers can create a setting
of our own. We do know that the family grew up in the
south and are quite poor. In addition, throughout the
novel we watch the family travel across Mississippi from
Mattson to Jefferson. Although they do not designate
states, we can assume that this novel was set in the old
south because the family is also dependent on their
farm to make a living.

Something else to take into consideration is that the

familys sense of marriage and definitions for purposes
for marriage are different than others, setting it in an
era in which people married for reasons other than love. The kids in the novel also have a keen
awareness that even distress of death cannot inhibit the necessary work on the farm or it could
result in greater poverty, creating a setting similar to what was witnessed during the Great
Depression.

Point of View:

This novel is written from the perspective of most every character involved in the novel. Each
chapter is labeled according to the character recounting the event. Seeing the story unravel
from a variety of viewpoints creates a unique telling of the story. We are never able to discover
one characters truth of what happened; instead, we jump from character to character and
have to piece together the plot and relationships. Due to this difficult organizational pattern,
following the storyline and getting to know the characters may be difficult at first for many
readers. However, through this point of view, we are able to gain a greater perspective of the
family, making judgment calls based on the opinions of many instead of the typical single
perspective of the main character.

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Literary Terms:

Climax This is a heightened level of action which helps drive the novel forward towards an
overall point of tension.
Example with text: The mothers death or Dewey Dells sexual relationships. The first of Dewey
Dells sexual relationships is stated as occurring because And so it was because I could not help
it. It was then, and then that I saw Darl and he knew (27). This opens a series of thematic
discussion to her story of continual confessions to sexual sin, a theme that is present and
progresses to pregnancy out of wedlock.
Both of the above examples can be minor climactic events that help the novel progress with the
overall theme. Perhaps after listing several climaxes, the students could discuss and decide
what the ultimate climax of the novel is.

Metaphor Figurative language used to

illustrate a similarity or connection between
one object or idea and another.
Example with text: While fishing, Verdaman
associates his catching and cleaning a fish to
his mothers death (30). Although not a
directly stated metaphor, Verdaman begins
to despise his catching the fish because the
fish is now dead and dirty, depicting
Verdamans perspective of death; which can thus be related to his opinion and understanding
of his mothers foreseen death. The students could use this example to create or replace
previous metaphors with some of their own.

Voice The tone and style with which a text is written.

Example with text: Throughout the novel the narrator and other characters speak with an old
southern tone. The students could discuss the tone and styles used and then elaborate on its
importance and significance to the novel. In addition, since this novel is written from over ten
different perspectives, the students may want to discuss why it would be important for the
author to have different voice for each character. Some examples from the text of different
southern voices used include:
Darl He sits the horse, glaring at Vernon, his lean face suffused up to and beyond the pale
rigidity of his eyes. The summer when he was fifteen, he took a spell of sleep (128). How easy
is this passage to comprehend? What does spell of sleep mean?
Armstid But time I give him another sup of whisky and supper was about ready, he had done
already bought a team from somebody, on a credit. Picking and choosing he were by then,
saying how he didnt like this span and wouldnt put his money in nothing soandso owned, not
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even a hen coop (184). What is the difference between these two voices? How does having
distinguishable voice help us, as the audience, to interpret and read the novel? Does it help?
Why or why not?

Affective Issues related to the Work:

Marriage: Many marriages in contemporary society are

more diverse than they once were. For example, some
students may come from single parent homes, others
from homes where they have legal guardians. Within
this text, discussion of the purposes and differing types
of marriage can be stimulated through Anses first and
quick second marriages. Sometimes students will have a
difficult time relating to others because they feel their
families are different; but different does not mean something negative; rather every family
situation is unique.

Death: The emotional, mental, and later physical death of Annie is a central action throughout
this novel. Each character reacts differently to her death and reconcile with the changes in
their own way. One cannot clump all individuals as experiencing the grief process in the same
manner; everyone handles life and circumstances in a uniquely. Many students have either
experienced death of a close friend or they have witnessed someone else having to deal with
that kind of pain. Reading and discussing this issue through the text can help them to deal and
come to terms with death. It is an unavoidable aspect of life, one that they will each
experience at some point.

Family: Every family has different dynamics. In this novel Faulkner addresses unique sibling
sibling, parentchild, and parentparent relationships. Through analyzing and approaching
these issues with an open mind, students will be better enabled to recognize the significance of
their own family situations. In addition, everyones personal experiences help to mold our
personalities into the individuals we become. Thus, our experiences should not be taken for
granted. This novel helps us come to respect and appreciate our own families and experiences
through witnessing the trials overcome by the Bundren family.
For example, Anses rushed second marriage portrays many dimensions of their family
relationships. Cash reacts to his fathers new marriage, stating, I would think what a shame
Darl couldnt be to enjoy it too. But it is better so for him. This world is not his world; this life
his life (261). This passage illustrates that Cash accepts his father for who he is. On the other

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hand, it demonstrates Darls character as more opinionated and severe of his fathers needs
and actions. In addition, Cashs acknowledgement of their differences portrays the close
relationship between Cash and Darl.

Vocabulary Issues:

This novel is leveled at the sixth grade according to the Raygor Reading Level Estimate analysis.
However, due to the more mature content it should probably be taught at a later grade (usually
11th grade and up). Although the novel may not require a high level of reading comprehension,
there are vocabulary issues that can be addressed. Since the novel is written in an old southern
voice, the students may initially have a difficult time reading and comprehending the material.
To help with this, some discussion on different types of language may be helpful. See the
project ideas below for a description of suggested activities.
Examples of more difficult passages or word comprehension:
Like most folks around here, I done holp him so much already I cant quit now (33). The terms
and style of writing may appear foreign to the students. What this passage is saying is: Like
most people, I have helped him so much that I cant quit now.
He was losing flesh, and I have seen him go to sleep chooping; watched the how going slower
and slower up and down(130). This passage is actually describing Jewels physical state of
being. On account of his mothers death, he began to lose weight and sleep; thus both his
health and performance on the farm decline. The students will not only have a difficult time
interpreting the plot and meaning, but since they are constantly having to analyze everything it
will be hard to pick up on the basics let alone take note of the details within the story.

Background Knowledge:

Depending on where your students were raised and what income level they come, their
exposure to the environment of the novel will differ. In order to help them better comprehend
the content, you may have to bring in photos or descriptions of low income families located in
the South. In addition, helping the students gain a greater idea of what the south is like
(geographically, physically, and culturally) will also help them better create a world in which
these characters live. For many, the south is like a foreign country. Although the north and
south are both part of the United States, they are very different in many aspects.

It may also be a good idea to inform the students of historical gender roles and marital roles.
This may include the changing and developing types of marriage and marital purposes. Since

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families are so diverse in todays society, it is necessary to define the different types of families
and give a bit of a lead into the type of family they will be witnessing.

Gender Issues:

The gender roles are expressed in a variety of ways

throughout the novel. There are three generations,
including the grandmother figure, the mother, and
the daughter, all of which demonstrate a different
type of role for females throughout history. The
grandmother, although not discussed much, shows
how women worked with, yet behind, the male
figure. On the other hand, the mother in the story
remains mostly in the home, doing household tasks
and helping on the farm where needed.
Unfortunately, this role was too overwhelming and
she chooses to let death take her. What does this
tell us about the desired roles of women? Finally,
the daughters character and interactions with other
male figures demonstrates the submissive and repressed station of women in the novel; making
a cementation of women throughout history and, in some cases, even in contemporary society.
Although she may have made some mistakes, she is still unable to choose abortion and the
pharmacist even encourages her to choose marriage instead.

Perhaps not as prominent, the role of male individuals is also defined. Through the expressed
female role, the male ones become more apparent. Additionally, Darls continual concern for
the farm and the work necessary (even when faced with family issues and emotionally trying
experiences) demonstrates that mans place is in the world and providing the income for the
family. And the Anses relationships with his first and second wife portray the gender roles
between them in correlation with society.

The Central Question or Enduring Issue:

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Issue: The social constraints of female figures and the family.
Throughout the novel, I feel that Faulkner did an excellent job expounding on this enduring
issue. It is evident through the development of characters and their interactions, both within
the family and the society. The small climactic events and overall theme is able to drive forth
this issue throughout the text. Through setting this novel in the South and telling the story
from a variety of perspectives, he further supports this issue of the female figure and where
women belong within society. It is set in a time and place where males are more dominant
and/or recognized by the society. And the story is told from the perspective of a boy, Darl.
Although female voices and perspectives are present, they are less prevalent. Through the
interaction of the different characters and the evident character development, Faulkner is able
to reinforce and discuss this central issue with the reader.

Research Issues/Project Ideas:

1. Family Diversity:
Have the students discuss the importance of families. How have they affected your life?
What important/relevant lessons have you learned from them? Then have the students
create a collage or essay (or any other project) that illustrates the dynamics of the
Bundren family. They should include details such as number of kids, relationships, and
the subsequent development of character. Emphasize that every person comes from a
unique background. Ones background is an important factor in helping us choose who
we become.
2. English Languages:
Although it may seem that there is one right way to speak English, there are various
types of English within our own language. For instance, Ebonics is now a recognized
dialect used in the United States. To get the students ready to explore language and the
differing types of tones and styles, have them do an interactive activity with language.
Create a passage in Standard English and then have the students translate it into English
within texting (see example below). Afterwards, have the students brainstorm some
other types of English and have them do some more translations for homework.
Standard English message: I cant meet you after my first class because I have an
appointment with my English Professor. Could you possibly meet me during lunch
instead? Thanks.
English in Texting: Cnt mt U aftr clss. Hv appt w/ prf. Mt me at lnch? Thnks

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 3. Women in History:
This novel deals a lot with the roles of women within the family. Have the students, in
groups or as individuals, choose a female figure in history. They need to research basic
background on their character and then present their biography and the significance
that their individual played in history. You may either have them do a poster, power
point, or other visual project. They should be graded on accuracy and creativity of
presentation. Examples would include Amelia Earhart, Eudora Welty, Flannery
OConner, Marie Curie, Georgia OKeefe, Ella Fitzgerald, Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman,
Betsy Ross, Helen of Troy, etc.

Enrichment Texts:

As I Lay Dying (Critical Overview) Notes on Novels, 2006. Answers.com

This article is a good reference for an overview of various critical analyses of Faulkners As I Lay
Dying. It can be used to find more substantial reviews or to get a brief basic opinion and
perspectives that have been researched on the novel. Overall, the article is intriguing and
approached the novel from various points of view.

Frenz, Horst ed. William Faulkner Bibliography. Nobel Lectures, Literature 19011967.
Amsterdam: Elsevier Publishing, 1969.
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1949/faulknerbio.html.
This website provides access to a bibliography of William Faulkner after being awarded the
Nobel Prize. Reading the bibliography is helpful in providing a more personal insight into
Faulkners life, enabling the audience to read the novel with more informative insights. The
students may also want to make connections between Faulkners personal life, professional
career and the world portrayed through his works.

Head, Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones. New York: Signet Book, 1968.
This novel explores the relationship between two teenagers that have a sexual relationship
which results in a teenage pregnancy. It can be used to further discuss the implications of
marriage and pregnancy and the affects that these choices have on an individuals life. Julys
experience can be paralleled with the experiences of Dewey Dell as well.

Voigt, Cynthia. Diceys Song. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1982.

This novel tells the story of a group of siblings that travel cross country following the
incapability of their mother to care for them. When they reach their grandmothers house,
they discover that family dimensions are continually changing and holding a family together

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takes more than just a simple work. Through comparing this novel with the experiences of the
siblings and changing relationships witnessed in As I Lay Dying, student will be able to gain a
greater comprehension of how differing families operate and the dynamics of relationships
within a family.

Crowe, Chris. Mississippi Trial, 1955. New York: Penguin Groups, 2002.
I thought that comparing these two novels would be interesting because they both take place
in the south under similar situations. Although Crowes novel tells the story of black people,
they are both stories of low income families that experience family dynamic stresses. This
would also help the students to create a better image of what the south is like in their minds.

Faulkner, William. Big Woods. New York: Knopf Publishing Group, 1994.
This novel explores a variety of personal hunting stories as recounted by Faulkner himself.
Through the stories shared, the cruelties and inhumanity of men is displayed. Thus, this novel
would be an interesting topic to compare to the topics addressed in As I Lay Dying.

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