Analysis of Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying examines the connections and disconnections between speech, silence, and the meaning of words. However, having words is as good as having no words because the characters in this book, especially the members of the Bundren family, use words that obfuscate their true emotions. Faulkner uses his characters to portray speech as just another factor of nominalism and allows only silence to present the truth.
Addie Bundren, even after death, is not completely silent through the trip to Jefferson. Her presence is an incessant reminder that words are “just shape[s] to fill a lack” (pg 172). For Addie, speaking doesn’t have an impact because “words are no good” (pg 171). She knows that “fear was invented by somebody that had never had the fear; pride, who never had the pride” (pg 172). Addie’s insight about words and their origins suggests that she perceives all words to be flatus vocis. Anse “had a word… Love, he called it” (pg 172). According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of love is a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person. He shared this word with Addie; claiming that he loved her. He even told Jewel “not to bring [his] horse out of respect for his dead ma” (pg 105). Not only does Anse scold Jewel for bringing a horse, but he also participates in the trek to Jefferson where Addie is to be buried. Anse seems to be a respectable man who is fulfilling his duty to Addie. However, Anse reveals that he had alternate motives for going to Jefferson when he smiles with his new set of teeth and says “Meet Mrs Bundren” (pg 261).
Darl, on the other hand, does not find it necessary to use the word love to express his feelings towards Addie. His affection for his mother is noticed by Cora who states in her narrative:
“He just looked at her, and I felt the bounteous love of the Lord again and His mercy… He just looked at her, not even coming in where she could see him and get upset, knowing that Anse was driving him away and he
Addie Bundren, even after death, is not completely silent through the trip to Jefferson. Her presence is an incessant reminder that words are “just shape[s] to fill a lack” (pg 172). For Addie, speaking doesn’t have an impact because “words are no good” (pg 171). She knows that “fear was invented by somebody that had never had the fear; pride, who never had the pride” (pg 172). Addie’s insight about words and their origins suggests that she perceives all words to be flatus vocis. Anse “had a word… Love, he called it” (pg 172). According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of love is a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person. He shared this word with Addie; claiming that he loved her. He even told Jewel “not to bring [his] horse out of respect for his dead ma” (pg 105). Not only does Anse scold Jewel for bringing a horse, but he also participates in the trek to Jefferson where Addie is to be buried. Anse seems to be a respectable man who is fulfilling his duty to Addie. However, Anse reveals that he had alternate motives for going to Jefferson when he smiles with his new set of teeth and says “Meet Mrs Bundren” (pg 261).
Darl, on the other hand, does not find it necessary to use the word love to express his feelings towards Addie. His affection for his mother is noticed by Cora who states in her narrative:
“He just looked at her, and I felt the bounteous love of the Lord again and His mercy… He just looked at her, not even coming in where she could see him and get upset, knowing that Anse was driving him away and he