As I Lay Dying Death Analysis

The novel As I Lay Dying merges life and death into one long journey of the mind and of the foot. Faulkner aligns each of the character’s word choice with the theme that death is the most powerful force on life in that when people are immediately confronted with it, it forces them to reason with existence. The tone of the novel is representative of this reflection of life in terms of death- some hopeful that the afterlife is a better place, some sure of themselves in seemingly logical thinking, and some utterly confused and lost. In addition, the imagery and metaphors within much of the character’s narration serve as a platform for the characters to enhance their thoughts. Addie Bundren’s death takes a toll on everyone depicted in the novel;

Cora Tull often puts herself in a state of mind that is higher than other people simply because of her connection with God. It is concluded through her that one must live their lives well to be in a better place after death. Upon Addie’s death, she claims the death and the children’s strange reactions are a “judgement on Anse Bundren,” and that it may be God recognizing his sin. This only makes Cora comfort herself further. Her belief in the afterlife as a reward to her good-doings on earth dictates her existence. She speaks with a tone of higher-being, attributing everything to God and in a way looking down on those who do not. This rationale is contradicted through Addie’s extremely powerful monologue about the life simply being a process to prepare for staying dead. Her chapter is written with a depressed and hopeless tone, contributing to her isolated thoughts. “And then I could get ready to die,” Addie says after having two more children just to “give” to her husband. The emotional and life changing event of childbirth is materialized in her stream of consciousness, and so are words of love and