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As I Lay Dying Essay

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In “As I Lay Dying”, William Faulkner uses a unique literary approach in his narrative structure and characterization. His use of multiple first-person narrators challenges traditional storytelling techniques, creating a tapestry of varied perspectives. In this essay, I will analyze Faulkner’s skilled manipulation of language and form, as he crafts an interconnected narrative. The inner turmoil of the characters and the other external conflicts are highlighted by the juxtaposed metaphors, such as the “greener pastures” and the Southern decay that is prevalent throughout the novel. Through a formal analysis, the reader can understand the thoughts of each character as they deal with death, family, and sacrifice. Faulkner’s use of multiple narrators allows the characters to develop in an unconventional, yet profound manner. Because each character presents a unique perspective, the reader gains a broad understanding of their complexities and can appreciate their growth. This growth is also shown through the interplay between each character’s inner thoughts and external actions. This exposes the inner struggles that drive their development. Consequently, the growth of the characters deeply impacts the reader, enriching the novel. …show more content…

Fragmented storytelling not only defies the traditional linear narrative structure but also mirrors the fragmented nature of human thought and perception. This technique serves to immerse the reader into the realities of each character, creating a deeply engaging experience. This approach is effective because it amplifies the thematic exploration of subjective truth and the complexity of the human experience, adding depth to the overall

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A Look Into Respecting the Dead William Faulkner, the 1949 winner of the Nobel Prize, is well-known for his successful literary works, especially for one in particular: As I Lay Dying. In “As I Lay Dying,” the central character of the book, Addie Bundren, passes away and she wishes to be buried in Jefferson, an extremely hard-to-reach town. In order to respect Addie’s wishes and keep their word, her family must go to great lengths to get her to Jefferson. Along the way her family faces many obstacles such as, a broken bridge, the loss of their mules, and a variety of different people who don’t particularly enjoy the Bundren’s company. After nine days of strife and struggles, Addie’s family finally reaches Jefferson and lays Addie to rest.

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Faulkner composites a family that is far away from perfect, instead the family members each face a tribulation that connects to the death their mother. With the supporting passages Faulkner demonstrates how the novel, As I Lay Dying fulfill his own vision of the writer’s duty, which is to express the problems by appealing to pathos, introducing relatable problems, and discussing family dynamics. Faulkner fulfills the writer’s duty by introducing problems the writers can relate to. Faulkner inspires readers to write about, “problems of the human heart... with itself which can make good writing...because that is only worth the sweat agony” (Faulkner 14-15).

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As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner In the excerpt from William Faulkner’s Southern novel, As I Lay Dying the author structures his novel through the use of literary features such as allusion, similes a belittling yet humorous tone, concrete imagery and a stream of consciousness style in the passage. Faulkner throughout the passage not only describes Cash’s reserved character and Darls perspective imagination but he also foreshadows the struggle the Bundren’s will go through as they prepare to go on the journey of burying Addie. First, Faulkner has the speaker Darl create a gloomy mood by using similes to display the ambiance in the room. Then Faulkner alludes to the bible and uses concrete imagery to illustrate both the surroundings and Cash’s concentration and determination as he makes his mother’s coffin.

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