Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
William Faulkner's novel "As I
Lay Dying" is a complex narrative that explores the lives of the Bundren
family as they try to fulfill their matriarch's last wish of being buried in
her hometown of Jefferson. Faulkner employs various literary techniques to
create a multifaceted novel that tells a story through the perspectives of
multiple narrators. One of the most prominent literary techniques used by
Faulkner is the use of symbolism, which allows him to convey complex themes and
ideas through the use of recurring motifs and images. This essay will analyze the
use of symbolism in "As I Lay Dying" and how it contributes to the
novel's overall meaning.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-The use of symbolism is evident from the very beginning of the novel when Faulkner introduces the symbol of the coffin. The coffin is the object that represents the driving force of the narrative as the Bundren family is tasked with transporting Addie Bundren's body to her hometown of Jefferson. The coffin is described as "a pine box with a flag on it," which immediately establishes its significance as a symbol of Addie's patriotism and her final resting place.
The coffin serves as
a physical representation of Addie's death and her desire to be buried in
Jefferson, which is further emphasized by the fact that her body is not
embalmed, and the journey to Jefferson takes several days. Faulkner also uses
the coffin to symbolize the family's emotional baggage as they all have
different reasons for wanting to fulfill Addie's last wish.
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Another prominent symbol in the novel is the river. The river appears several times throughout the novel, and each time it symbolizes a different aspect of the Bundren family's journey. The river is first introduced in Darl's section when he sees a fish struggling to breathe in the shallow water. This scene symbolizes the Bundren family's struggle to survive in a world that is indifferent to their suffering. The fish is also a symbol of Addie, who is described as a fish in Jewel's section, and whose life is slowly slipping away.
The river is also significant as it serves
as a metaphor for the journey of life and death. The river is described as
"going on," which is similar to the way that life and death continue
regardless of the actions of individuals. The river also symbolizes the
cleansing and purifying nature of death, as seen when the family attempts to
cross the river with Addie's coffin.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-Faulkner also uses the symbol of
the road to convey the themes of journey and passage. The road is the physical
space where the Bundren family travels to fulfill Addie's last wish. The road
is described as "long and white and hard and clean" and is often
associated with the idea of travel and movement. However, the road also
symbolizes the idea of change and transformation. Each character who travels on
the road undergoes some form of transformation or change. For example, Darl's
mental state deteriorates as he becomes increasingly unhinged, while Dewey Dell
becomes more aware of her sexuality and the power it gives her. The road also
symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death, as the characters travel
along the same road multiple times throughout the novel.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-Another important symbol in the novel
is the character of Jewel. Jewel is the eldest son of Addie and is described as
being separate from the rest of the family. Jewel is associated with the symbol
of the horse, which represents strength, freedom, and power. Jewel's horse is
described as being "strong and clean and bright," which reflects
Jewel's own character. Jewel's horse is also a symbol of his connection to the
natural world, which is a contrast to the other characters who are focused on
their own problems and desires.
As
I Lay Dying “Summary”
"As I Lay Dying" is a
novel by William Faulkner that tells the story of the Bundren family's journey
to fulfill their matriarch's dying wish to be buried in her hometown of
Jefferson. The novel is narrated through the perspectives of fifteen different
characters, each with their own unique voice and perspective on the events that
unfold.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-The novel begins with the death of
Addie Bundren, the mother of the Bundren family. Addie's death sets in motion
the events of the novel as her husband, Anse, and their children set out on a
journey to transport her body to Jefferson. Along the way, the family
encounters numerous obstacles, including floods, fires, and the breakdown of
their wagon. The journey is further complicated by the individual desires and
motivations of each family member.
The novel is divided into
fifty-nine sections, each narrated by a different character. The sections are
not presented in chronological order, which adds to the complexity of the
narrative. The first section is narrated by Darl Bundren, Addie's second eldest
son. Darl is a complex character who is often viewed as the most insightful of
the family members. His section provides insight into Addie's death and the
family's initial reactions.
The second section is narrated by
Addie herself, who reflects on her life and the reasons for her desire to be
buried in Jefferson. Addie is a complex character who is critical of her family
and their actions. Her section provides insight into her relationships with her
children and her husband.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-The third section is narrated by
Cash Bundren, Addie's eldest son. Cash is a carpenter who has built Addie's
coffin. His section provides insight into the construction of the coffin and
the family's preparations for their journey.
The fourth section is narrated by
Anse Bundren, Addie's husband. Anse is a lazy and selfish man who is more
concerned with getting new teeth than fulfilling his wife's dying wish. His
section provides insight into his motivations and his relationship with his wife.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-The fifth section is narrated by
Dewey Dell Bundren, Addie's only daughter. Dewey Dell is a young woman who is
pregnant out of wedlock. Her section provides insight into her struggles with
her pregnancy and her desire to obtain an abortion.
The sixth section is narrated by
Vardaman Bundren, Addie's youngest son. Vardaman is a young boy who is
struggling to come to terms with his mother's death. His section provides
insight into his confusion and his attempts to understand the concept of death.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-The seventh section is narrated by
Darl again, and it is clear that he is becoming increasingly unhinged. His
section provides insight into his mental state and his obsession with his
mother's death.
The eighth section is narrated by
Jewel Bundren, Addie's illegitimate son. Jewel is a horseman who is fiercely
independent and separate from the rest of the family. His section provides
insight into his relationship with his mother and his desire to protect her
coffin.
The ninth section is narrated by
Cash again, and it describes the family's attempts to cross a river with
Addie's coffin. The scene is a dramatic one, as the family nearly loses the
coffin in the water.
The remaining sections of the novel
continue to reveal the family's journey to Jefferson and the obstacles they
encounter along the way. As the journey progresses, tensions rise between the
family members, and secrets are revealed. The novel reaches its climax in
Jefferson, where the family finally buries Addie.
Throughout the novel, Faulkner uses
a range of literary techniques, including stream of consciousness narration and
the use of symbolism, to explore complex themes and ideas.
FAQ.
Q: What is the significance of the title "As I Lay
Dying"?
A: The title "As I Lay
Dying" comes from a passage in Homer's "The Odyssey" in which
the protagonist, Odysseus, descends into the underworld and encounters the
ghost of his mother. In the passage, the ghost tells Odysseus, "As I lay
dying, the woman with the dog's eyes would not close my eyes as I descended
into Hades." The title of Faulkner's novel alludes to this passage and
highlights the novel's focus on death and the journey to the afterlife.
Q: Who are the main characters in "As I Lay Dying"?
A: The main characters in "As
I Lay Dying" are members of the Bundren family: Addie, Anse, Cash, Darl,
Dewey Dell, Vardaman, and Jewel. Each character narrates sections of the novel,
offering insight into their individual perspectives and motivations.
Q: What are some of the major themes in "As I Lay
Dying"?
A: Some of the major themes in
"As I Lay Dying" include family, death, and the nature of reality.
The novel explores the complex relationships between family members, the impact
of death on individuals and families, and the subjective nature of reality.
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