Summary
William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, published in 1930, is a landmark of 20th-century American literature. Set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, this Southern Gothic novel features 15 different narrators over 59 chapters. Along with the novel’s dark humor, Faulkner's innovative use of stream of consciousness and multiple perspectives has firmly cemented As I Lay Dying in the modernist canon. While there have been several adaptations, James Franco's 2013 film version stands out as the most notable attempt to bring this challenging work to the screen.
Plot
As I Lay Dying follows the Bundren family's journey to bury their matriarch, Addie, in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. The novel opens with Addie on her deathbed, while her eldest son, Cash, builds her coffin outside. After her passing, the family embarks on a difficult trek by wagon to honor her last wish, with Addie’s unembalmed body in tow.
The Bundrens face numerous obstacles during their nine-day journey—including a flood, a suspicious fire, the loss of their mules, and a broken leg. Throughout the ordeal, the stubborn patriarch Anse often refuses offers of help, manipulating others into giving charity instead. When the Bundren clan reaches Jefferson, the townspeople are repulsed by the smell emanating from Addie's coffin. From there, the family’s troubles only escalate.
Themes
Death and its impact on the living
Family dysfunction and relationships
Duty and responsibility
The nature of existence and identity
Poverty and social class in the rural South
Self-interest versus sacrifice
The power and limitations of language
Setting
Set in the 1920s, As I Lay Dying unfolds in the rural landscape of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi—William Faulkner's fictional rendition of his home, Lafayette County. The novel captures the essence of the American South during this era, portraying a region still grappling with poverty and the lingering effects of the Civil War.
The story primarily takes place in the countryside, following the Bundren family's arduous journey from their farm to the town of Jefferson. Faulkner vividly describes the challenging terrain they encounter, including treacherous rivers, washed-out bridges, and dusty roads. The rural setting serves as both a backdrop and a character in itself, shaping the family's experiences and reflecting their hardships.
