Review: As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Review of the book “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner.

As I Lay Dying is a classic novel by American writer William Faulkner, published in 1930. The story is set in the fictional town of Yoknapatawpha, Mississippi, and follows the events that occur in the Bundren family after the death of its matriarch, Addie. The narrative is presented through the eyes of the different members of the family, each with their own perspective and experience, and their own personal conflicts.

As I Lay Dying is one of the masterpieces of William Faulkner, the brilliant American writer who renewed 20th-century narrative with his innovative style and critical vision of southern society. In this novel, published in 1930, Faulkner uses the stream of consciousness technique to tell the story of the Bundren family, who undertake a long and painful journey to fulfill the dying mother’s last wish: to be buried in the town of Jefferson, next to her ancestors.

The novel is narrated by 15 different voices, alternating in 59 short chapters. Each of the characters offers his or her point of view on the events, revealing his or her thoughts, feelings, motivations and secrets. Thus, the reader gets to know the complexity and diversity of this poor rural family, which faces numerous obstacles and tragedies on its journey. The father, Anse; the children, Cash, Darl, Jewel, Dewey Dell and Vardaman; the neighbor Cora; the doctor Peabody; the pharmacist MacGowan; the undertaker Samson; the sheriff Armstid; the farmer Gillespie; the young Tull and the Reverend Whitfield are the narrators who compose this polyphonic story.

As I Lay Dying is a novel that explores universal themes such as death, love, hate, guilt, duty, religion, nature and identity. Faulkner creates a bleak portrait of a wasteland, where the characters move between deceit, pride, selfishness and madness. The novel also reflects the decadence of the South after the American Civil War and the economic crisis of 1929. Faulkner’s language is rich and poetic, full of metaphors, symbols and literary allusions. His writing is a challenge for the reader, who must reconstruct the meaning of the story from the different voices that tell it.

As I Lay Dying is an essential work for lovers of modern literature and a showcase of the narrative talent of William Faulkner, one of the most influential and important authors of the 20th century.

The novel is known for its unique narrative style and use of interior monologue. Each of the characters has their own chapter, allowing the reader to learn about their deepest, darkest thoughts, and their relationship with the deceased Addie. Additionally, the novel plays with time and perspective, using flashbacks and time jumps to create a complex and deeply emotional narrative.

The story of the Bundren family is a sad and heartbreaking one, with each of the characters facing their own demons and struggling to get over Addie’s death. The conflicts between the family members are evident from the beginning, and each of them has their own reasons for wanting to carry out Addie’s last wish to be buried in Jefferson, despite the many obstacles they must overcome along the way.

In As I Lay Dying, Faulkner presents a world in which life is hard and relationships are complicated. However, there is also a sense of community and solidarity, with the characters working together to carry out Addie’s dying wish. Despite the sadness and pain, there is a sense of hope and redemption in the novel, and a sense that, despite everything, life goes on.

Overall, As I Lay Dying is a masterpiece of American literature, presenting a unique insight into the American South and its inhabitants. The narrative is complex and emotional, and the characters are exceptionally well developed. Faulkner manages to convey the sadness and desperation of the Bundren family’s situation, while also presenting a sense of humanity and hope that is touching. All in all, this novel is a must-read for any lover of literature, and a work that deserves to be read and appreciated for generations to come.