The As I Lay Dying plot is a compelling narrative that explores themes of death, family, identity, and the human condition through a multi-perspective storytelling approach. William Faulkner’s 1930 novel is renowned for its complex structure, innovative use of stream-of-consciousness, and profound character development. This article delves into the intricacies of the plot, examining its key elements, themes, and the ways in which Faulkner crafts a compelling portrait of a family's desperate journey to bury their deceased mother.
Overview of the Plot
As I Lay Dying narrates the story of the Bundren family as they undertake a difficult and arduous journey to fulfill their deceased mother’s last wish—being buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. The novel is divided into 59 chapters, each narrated by a different character or through a third-person perspective, providing a multifaceted view of the family's experiences.
The primary narrative follows Addie Bundren's death and her family's subsequent efforts to honor her wish. However, beneath this straightforward premise lies a tapestry of personal struggles, internal conflicts, and existential musings that enrich the plot's complexity.
Key Events in the Plot
The Death of Addie Bundren
The story begins with the death of Addie Bundren, a matriarch whose life and desires profoundly influence the family’s journey. Her death prompts her children—Cash, Darl, Jewel, Dewey Dell, and Vardaman—and her husband, Anse Bundren, to embark on a trip to Jefferson to bury her in her hometown.
The Family’s Journey Begins
Immediately after Addie’s death, the family prepares for the long journey. Each member's motivations and emotional states are revealed through their narration, highlighting underlying tensions and personal agendas. Anse is determined to fulfill Addie’s wish but also has his own reasons for making the trip, including seeking a new wife.
Obstacles and Tragedies Along the Way
The journey is fraught with physical hardships and emotional struggles. Key incidents include:
- Cash injuring his leg during the trip, symbolizing the physical toll of their journey.
- The wagon breaking down multiple times, emphasizing the fragility of their plans.
- Dewey Dell’s secret pregnancy and her desperate search for an abortion.
- Jewel’s fierce loyalty to his mother and his mysterious, almost animalistic behavior.
- Vardaman’s confusion about death, exemplified by his famous line, “My mother is a fish.”
- Darl’s mental instability and his eventual institutionalization, which adds a layer of psychological tension to the story.
The Climax and Resolution
The climax occurs when the family finally reaches Jefferson and buries Addie in her hometown. However, the journey’s toll exposes the cracks within the family bonds, and the characters’ personal tragedies come to the forefront. Anse, having achieved his goal, quickly remarries, revealing his self-interest.
Vardaman is left haunted by his mother’s death, and Darl’s fate remains ambiguous until he is committed, raising questions about sanity and perception.
Major Themes in the Plot
Death and Mortality
At its core, the novel is an exploration of death’s impact on individuals and families. The journey to bury Addie becomes a metaphor for confronting mortality and the inevitable decay of life.
Family and Loyalty
The Bundren family’s interactions reveal complex dynamics of loyalty, selfishness, and sacrifice. Each member’s actions are driven by a mix of love, duty, and personal desire.
Identity and Self-Perception
Characters struggle with their identities—Jewel’s fierce independence, Darl’s mental unraveling, Dewey Dell’s desperation—highlighting the fluidity of self-perception amid hardship.
Existential Reflection
Faulkner’s narrative delves into existential questions about the meaning of life and death, often expressed through the characters’ internal monologues and perspectives.
Narrative Technique and Its Effect on the Plot
Multiple Perspectives
The novel’s use of multiple narrators provides varied insights into the plot, enriching the reader’s understanding of each character’s motivations and internal struggles.
Stream of Consciousness
Faulkner’s stream-of-consciousness style immerses readers in characters’ thoughts, blurring the lines between perception and reality, and adding depth to the plot’s psychological complexity.
Unreliable Narration
Some narrators, notably Darl, present an ambiguous or unreliable account of events, creating intrigue and inviting multiple interpretations of the plot.
Symbolism and Motifs in the Plot
Fish and Water
Vardaman’s fixation with fish symbolizes innocence and the fluidity of life and death, recurring as a motif throughout the novel.
Burden and Journey
The physical journey mirrors emotional and existential burdens, emphasizing themes of suffering, endurance, and the search for meaning.
Animals and Nature
References to animals and natural elements underscore the primal instincts and raw realities of life faced by the characters.
Character Analysis and Their Role in the Plot
Addie Bundren
Her death acts as the catalyst for the entire narrative. Her complex relationship with her family and her own reflections on life and death influence the story’s direction.
Jewel Bundren
A fiercely independent and protective son, Jewel’s mysterious background and unwavering loyalty are central to the family’s cohesion.
Darl Bundren
His mental decline and unique perspective challenge the reader’s perception of reality, culminating in his institutionalization.
Dewey Dell Bundren
Her secret pregnancy and desperation for an abortion highlight themes of female agency and societal constraints.
Vardaman Bundren
His innocence and confusion about death serve as a poignant symbol of childhood confronting mortality.
Anse Bundren
His self-interest and pragmatic approach to the journey reveal the complexities of familial duty and selfishness.
Conclusion: The Impact of the Plot
The As I Lay Dying plot is a masterful tapestry of human emotion, moral ambiguity, and existential reflection. Faulkner’s innovative narrative techniques and deep characterizations make the novel a profound exploration of death and family life. The journey of the Bundren family is both literal and metaphorical—highlighting the struggles inherent in human existence and the enduring bonds that, despite their flaws, sustain us through life's darkest moments.
Whether viewed as a tragic family saga or a philosophical meditation, the plot of As I Lay Dying continues to resonate with readers, offering rich insights into the complexities of human nature and the universal experience of mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of 'As I Lay Dying'?
The novel follows the Bundren family as they undertake a difficult journey to bury their deceased mother, Addie, highlighting their personal struggles and the family's dynamics along the way.
Who are the key characters in 'As I Lay Dying'?
The main characters include Addie Bundren, her husband Anse, and their children Cash, Darl, Jewel, Dewey Dell, and Vardaman, each with unique perspectives and roles in the story.
What are the major themes explored in 'As I Lay Dying'?
The novel explores themes such as death and mortality, family loyalty and conflict, individual identity, and the subjective nature of perception.
How is the narrative style of 'As I Lay Dying' characterized?
The book employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative with multiple narrators, each providing their own perspective, which creates a complex and layered storytelling experience.
What is the significance of the title 'As I Lay Dying'?
The title reflects the death of Addie Bundren and the existential reflections on mortality, as well as the family's struggles to come to terms with her death.
How does the journey to bury Addie affect the Bundren family?
The journey exposes underlying tensions, reveals individual character flaws, and ultimately tests their resilience and commitment to each other.
What literary techniques does William Faulkner use in 'As I Lay Dying'?
Faulkner employs stream-of-consciousness narration, shifting perspectives, nonlinear timeline, and symbolic imagery to deepen the novel's complexity and themes.
