Sanity and Insanity in

As
I Lay Dying With in text-cation In MLA style

Introduction
The introduction to William Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying, sets the tone for a tale that is both intriguing
and unsettling. Narrated through the voices of fifteen distinct characters, the story follows the Bundren
family and their efforts to bury their matriarch, Addie, in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. The
novel explores themes of death, family, and religion, while challenging the reader's notions of what is
considered sane or insane. Through the characters' internal monologues, Faulkner highlights the different
ways in which individuals cope with loss and grief, and how these coping mechanisms can often lead
to destructive behavior. As such, the novel is a compelling examination of the human psyche, and how
our perceptions of madness and rationality are constantly in flux. In the following essay, I will analyze
the roles of sanity and insanity in As I Lay Dying, and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the
work.

A. Background Information about 'As I Lay Dying'

As I Lay Dying is a novel written by William Faulkner and published in 1930. The book is famously
known for its challenging and experimental narrative structure which consists of rotating perspectives
from different characters, each of whom is struggling with their own personal problems while also trying
to cope with the death of Addie Bundren, the matriarch of the family. The novel is set in rural Mississippi
during the early 20th century and deals with themes of death, grief, and family dysfunction. Faulkner's
writing style is characterized by a complex use of stream-of-consciousness and non-linear storytelling,
making it a challenging read for many readers. Despite its challenging prose, As I Lay Dying is considered
a classic of modernist literature and a masterpiece of Southern Gothic fiction, and it remains a popular
subject of literary criticism and analysis.

B. Purpose of the essay

The purpose of this essay is to examine the theme of sanity and insanity in William Faulkner's As I
Lay Dying. By analyzing the various characters and their actions throughout the novel, this essay aims
to explore the blurred lines between sanity and insanity and the impact it has on the characters' lives.
The essay also highlights the societal and cultural factors that contribute to the characters' mental states.
Moreover, this essay delves into the concept of the unreliable narrator and its influence on the reader's
interpretation of events. Through close reading and analysis, this essay will argue that the theme of sanity
and insanity is a crucial aspect of the novel and one that sheds light on the human condition and the
complexities of the human mind.

Faulkner's use of multiple narrators also underscores the blurred lines between sanity and insanity. Each
character has their own perception of reality and their own unique narrative voice, which can often be in
conflict with those of the other characters. This creates a sense of unreliability in the narration and leaves
the reader questioning what is real and what is not. For instance, Darl's narration is particularly erratic and
often delves into the realm of the surreal. His descriptions become increasingly fragmented and disjointed
as the novel progresses, culminating in his confinement to an asylum by the end of the novel. Arguably, his
perceived insanity is the result of his increasing awareness of the tensions and contradictions within the
family. Through these various narrative techniques, Faulkner challenges the reader's assumptions about
sanity and invites them to question what it really means to be insane.
II. The Concept of Sanity and Insanity in 'As I Lay Dying'
As the characters in Faulkner's As I Lay Dying navigate the journey to bury Addie Bundren, the concept of
sanity and insanity is brought to the forefront. The novel is told through multiple perspectives, each with
its own ideas of what it means to be sane or insane. For example, Anse's selfish and lazy behavior, which
leads him to neglect his dying wife and prioritizes his own comfort over his family's well-being, might
be considered insanity by some characters. Similarly, Darl's erratic behavior and mental breakdowns
could be interpreted as symptoms of insanity. However, other characters like Jewel or Vardaman may not
understand or accept these definitions of sanity and insanity. As such, the novel challenges readers to
question what it really means to be "sane" or "insane" and how these concepts are perceived and defined
by different individuals.

A. Analysis of the Characters

In conclusion, Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying, portrays a complex analysis of the characters' sanity and
insanity. The characters' actions and their inner monologues reveal underlying mental health issues that
spiral out of control as their journey progresses. Moreover, the narrative ambiguity in the novel allows
the reader to question the characters' perception of reality, further blurring the line between sanity and
insanity. While some characters exhibit clear signs of madness, others show an attempt to maintain their
sanity under extraordinary circumstances. Faulkner skillfully portrays the nuance of mental health issues
and the characters' struggle to cope with them, making this novel a compelling read that delves deeply
into the complexities of human nature and psychology. Ultimately, the characters' journey sheds light on
the fragility of the human psyche and the consequences of ignoring and stigmatizing mental health issues.

1. Darl Bundren
Darl Bundren is a complex character in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying who struggles with the
concepts of sanity and insanity. Throughout the novel, he provides insight into the thoughts and actions of
his family members, but his own behavior is often erratic, leading to questions about his mental state. Darl
speaks in a poetic and insightful manner, but his words are often laced with a disturbing and dark tone.
Furthermore, he is not afraid to challenge societal norms, and his actions often go against the expectations
of his family and community. While his family sees him as unstable and even dangerous, Darl himself
seems to be aware of his own madness, making it difficult to determine whether he is truly insane or
just misunderstood. Ultimately, his character serves as a commentary on the fine line between sanity and
insanity and the importance of understanding and accepting those who exist on either side of that line.

2. Addie Bundren
Addie Bundren is a significant character in As I Lay Dying as the story revolves around her death and
the family's journey to bury her in Jefferson. Her relationship with her family members is complex and
strained. Addie is portrayed as a distant and stoic mother who has a strong animosity towards her husband
and a deep attachment towards her son Jewel. As she lays dying, she reflects on her life, her marriage, and
her children, highlighting the theme of Sanity and Insanity. Addie had a great influence on each of her
children, but her choices and actions have a profound impact on them that they struggle with even after
her death. Her death also brings about a philosophical question about the significance of life and death
and how they are intertwined.

3. Anse Bundren
Anse Bundren, the patriarch of the family, is perhaps one of the most enigmatic and frustrating characters
in As I Lay Dying. Faulkner presents Anse as a man who is not only physically decaying, but also morally
and emotionally bankrupt. He appears to be opportunistic and selfish, exploiting his family's misfortunes
for his own gain. In one instance, he even trades his daughter, Dewey Dell, for the services of a dentist.
His fixation on obtaining a new set of teeth further highlights his priorities which are more focused on his
own appearance and comfort rather than the well-being of his family. Overall, Anse's actions and lack of
empathy for his family suggest a detachment from reality and a lack of sanity.

4. Jewel Bundren
Jewel Bundren, one of the most enigmatic characters in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, is portrayed
as a complex and conflicted individual. Despite being an illegitimate son of Addie Bundren, he is fiercely
loyal to his mother and unwilling to let her die without fulfilling her final wish. Jewel's actions suggest
that he may possess a certain degree of sanity, as he is able to remain calm and composed throughout
some of the most trying moments in the novel. However, his obsession with his mother's body and his
violent outbursts towards other characters reveal a darker side to his character, hinting at potential mental
instability. Overall, Jewel's character is rife with contradictions, making it difficult to ascertain whether
he is sane or insane.

5. Vardaman Bundren
is one of the most enigmatic characters in As I Lay Dying. Vardaman is the youngest child of Addie and
Anse Bundren, and his inner turmoil illustrates the psychological impact of his mother's death on the
family. At the beginning of the novel, Vardaman seems to be a curious child, fascinated with the natural
world around him. However, as the story progresses, Vardaman's behavior becomes increasingly erratic
and bizarre, which reflects his struggle to come to terms with his mother's death. For instance, after killing
a fish, Vardaman sees the fish's blood as his mother's, and he becomes fixated on the idea that his mother
is now a fish. This obsession with his mother's death and the distortion of his sense of reality highlights
the extent to which grief can lead to mental instability.

6. Dewey Dell Bundren

Dewey Dell Bundren, the only daughter of Addie and Anse Bundren, is a young woman who faces various
challenges in William Faulkner's novel As I Lay Dying. Pregnant and in desperate need of an abortion,
Dewey Dell tries to acquire a substance from the local pharmacist to terminate her pregnancy. Her inability
to express herself and reveal the true reason behind her need for medicine reflects her powerlessness
in a male-dominated society. Furthermore, Dewey Dell's lack of agency is further emphasized by her
sexual objectification by men around her. Distraught and alone, Dewey Dell also experiences emotional
turmoil due to the loss of her mother, despite her complicated relationship with her. Through Dewey Dell's
character, Faulkner highlights the societal constraints and expectations placed upon women, particularly
in the rural South during the early twentieth century.

B. Factors that Contribute to Insanity in the Novel

:
One of the major contributors to insanity in the novel is the characters' inability to cope with loss and the
grief that follows. For instance, Addie Bundren's death sets off a chain of events that drives her family
to madness. As her sons attempt to fulfill her final wishes, they also struggle with their own emotions of
sadness, anger, and guilt. Additionally, the isolation and lack of communication among family members
exacerbate their mental instability. For example, Darl's ability to read minds and predict events is seen as a
sign of madness because it sets him apart from the rest of the family who cannot understand his thoughts.
Therefore, the novel suggests that insanity is not only a result of inner turmoil but also of external factors
such as grief, isolation, and communication breakdowns.

1. Grief
Grief is a prominent theme throughout the novel. Each character deals with it in a different way, whether
it be through denial, anger, or acceptance. Addie Bundren’s death is the catalyst for the journey, and her
family is left to cope with their loss in their own ways. Some, like Anse, choose to bury themselves in
work and refuse to acknowledge their pain. Others, like Dewey Dell, are consumed by their grief, unable
to focus on anything else. Vardaman deals with his grief by experiencing an intense fear of losing his
father, while Darl uses his sanity as a shield to protect himself from the pain. Faulkner examines the
complexities of grief in a way that forces the reader to question their own understanding of loss and how
one copes with it.

2. Family Conflicts
In addition to the internal conflicts faced by individual characters, family conflicts are also prominent in
As I Lay Dying. These conflicts arise from the tensions and misunderstandings between different members
of the Bundren family, further complicating their already difficult journey. For example, Addie's death and
the decision to transport her body to Jefferson creates friction between Addie's widowed husband and her
son, Jewel. The two argue over whether Jewel should be allowed to ride his horse alongside the wagon,
causing a physical fight to break out. This conflict underscores the broader disagreements and resentments
simmering beneath the surface of the Bundren family dynamics. Furthermore, family squabbles also
contribute to the novel's commentary on the limitations of communication and understanding between
even those who are closest to each other.

3. Poverty
Poverty is a major theme in As I Lay Dying. The Bundrens are a poor family from the rural South who
struggle to make ends meet. Addie's death leaves them even more financially and emotionally destitute,
as they must expend their already meager resources to transport her body to Jefferson. The poverty
experienced by the Bundrens highlights the harsh realities of life for many rural Southern families during
the early twentieth century. This theme is particularly evident in Darl's frequent observations of the
family's economic situation and in Dewey Dell's desperate attempts to obtain money for an abortion.
Faulkner's portrayal of the Bundrens as impoverished underscores the social and economic issues facing
the rural South during this time period. Overall, poverty serves as a powerful symbol of the social and
economic dislocation that characterized much of Southern life during the early twentieth century and
highlights the difficulties experienced by rural Southern families such as the Bundrens.

C. The Fine Line between Sanity and Insanity in 'As I Lay Dying'
In William Faulkner's 'As I Lay Dying', the line between sanity and insanity is blurred, as evidenced by
the characters' erratic behavior and distorted perspectives. Darl, the narrator for the majority of the novel,
begins to exhibit signs of madness as his obsession with his dying mother consumes him. He becomes
increasingly detached from reality and resorts to extreme measures, such as burning down a barn, in order
to cope with his grief. Meanwhile, Addie's other children, including Cash and Jewel, struggle with their
own mental instability as they grapple with the loss of their mother. Faulkner employs stream-of-con-
sciousness narration and fragmented storytelling to reinforce the theme of madness, creating a narrative
that is both disorienting and insightful. Ultimately, 'As I Lay Dying' highlights the fragility of the human
mind and the tenuous line between sanity and insanity.

Moreover, the character of Darl is closely associated with the theme of sanity and insanity in the novel.
Faulkner presents Darl as a character who is highly introspective and observant, yet also deeply disturbed
and unstable. Darl's perspective on events is often skewed and his actions are unpredictable, leading many
of the characters to question his sanity. His use of language is often disjointed and fragmented, reflecting
his inner turmoil and making it difficult for readers to discern what is reality and what is not. In many
ways, Darl represents the fragility of the human psyche and the tenuous line between sanity and insanity.
Through his characterization, Faulkner highlights the importance of mental stability in navigating the
challenges of life, and the devastating consequences that can arise when one's grip on reality slips away.

III. Darl Bundren: A Tragic Hero or Insane?

Darl Bundren is one of the most complex characters in As I Lay Dying. Unlike the other characters,
whose voices are used to give insight into their perceptions and emotions, Darl's perspective is expressed
in a stream of consciousness that is often fragmented and difficult to follow. Many readers have debated
whether Darl is a tragic hero or simply insane. While it is clear that Darl is struggling with psychological
issues, there is evidence to suggest that his actions are motivated by heroic intentions. For example, his
decision to set fire to the barn is a desperate attempt to free the horse from its suffering. However, Darl's
reckless behavior ultimately leads to his confinement in an insane asylum, which raises questions about
the definition of sanity and madness in the novel.

A. Darl's Perspective on Life and Death

Darl's perspective on life and death is uniquely informed by his own experiences and mental state. He
recognizes the fragility of existence and the inevitability of death, and this awareness is a source of deep
anxiety for him. At the same time, his acute observational skills and sensitivity to human emotions allow
him to see life in its full complexity and beauty. Darl often experiences moments of intense insight into the
nature of life and death, and these moments are both illuminating and unsettling for him. He is acutely
aware of the role of human memory in shaping our understanding of life, and he recognizes that our
experiences are often mediated by the stories we tell ourselves about them. For Darl, life and death are
not separate entities but instead two sides of the same coin, and this fundamental duality defines his
perspective on human existence.

B. Darl's Suffering and Isolation

B. Darl, the most complex character in As I Lay Dying, suffers from a grave mental illness. From the very
beginning of the novel, Darl is depicted as being different from his family members, and his introspection
and ability to read minds highlight his heightened sense of alienation. The tragic events that transpire
within the Bundren family take a heavy toll on Darl, and as the self-appointed narrator of the story, his
first-person perspectives provide valuable insights into his mental state. The subsequent estrangement of
Darl from his family members only exacerbates his isolation and suffering. He is ultimately committed to
a mental institution, where he is subjected to inhuman treatment, including shock therapy and isolation.
Darl's plight reflects the prevalent stigmatization associated with mental disorders during the early
twentieth century. Faulkner's portrayal of the cruelty towards mentally ill individuals highlights the need
for greater acceptance, tolerance, and compassion towards those suffering from mental illnesses.

C. Evidence of Darl's Insanity

In addition to his unusual behavior, Darl's hallucinations and outbursts provide clear evidence of his
insanity. Throughout the novel, Darl's perspective becomes increasingly erratic and detached from reality.
He frequently speaks in a disjointed and cryptic manner, causing confusion among characters and readers
alike. Moreover, Darl's ability to see into the thoughts of other characters, such as Jewel or Dewey Dell,
suggests a crumbling sense of self-awareness. His obsession with the coffin and the journey to Jefferson
also demonstrates irrational and delusional thinking. In his final moments, Darl is committed to an insane
asylum, further cementing the fact that his mental state has deteriorated past the threshold of normalcy.
These aspects of Darl's character serve to highlight the complex portrayal of insanity within the novel.

1. His Internal Monologue

One of the most intriguing aspects of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying is the use of internal monologues.
Throughout the novel, we are privy to the thoughts and emotions of the various characters. However,
it is clear that some characters are more coherent than others. For example, Darl's internal monologue
is complex and insightful, offering the reader a deeper understanding of the events taking place. In
contrast, the internal monologue of Addie Bundren is fragmented and disjointed, revealing her descent
into madness. This use of internal monologues serves to highlight the theme of sanity and insanity, as each
character struggles to make sense of their experiences. Ultimately, Faulkner's masterful use of internal
monologues allows readers to see the world from multiple perspectives, offering a complex and nuanced
portrayal of the human condition.

2. His Actions
In addition to his thoughts and words, the actions of Anse Bundren also contribute to his portrayal as a
mentally unstable character. From the very beginning of the novel, his persistent obsession with obtaining
a new set of false teeth seems irrational and nonsensical. His decision to marry a younger and more
attractive woman shortly after the death of his first wife further calls into question his mental stability and
emotional intelligence. Additionally, his lack of empathy for his children and disregard for their wishes
and well-being, as evidenced by his insistence on carrying out the risky and uncomfortable journey to bury
Addie in a distant town, further emphasizes his lack of sound judgement. These actions, both seeming
insignificant and major, contribute to the overall portrayal of Anse as a man who is unfit for parental and
spousal responsibilities.

D. The Significance of Darl's Characterization

Darl's characterization is significant because it offers a unique perspective on the events in the novel. His
ability to see through people's facades and read their true intentions highlights the complex nature of
human interactions. Additionally, his knowledge of the family's history and his ability to articulate his
thoughts in a poetic manner add depth to the story. Darl's gradual descent into madness also adds another
layer to the theme of sanity and insanity in the novel. As he becomes more isolated and detached from
reality, his observations become more insightful and poignant. His ultimate commitment to an asylum
represents the tragic consequences of society's failure to understand and support those with mental illness.
Overall, Darl's character adds richness and complexity to the narrative and serves as a commentary on
the human condition.

Sanity and insanity are key themes throughout William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. The novel's complex
narrative structure presents a challenge for readers to determine what is real and what is imaginary. The
eleven narrators each contribute their own perspective on the characters' mental states, making it difficult
to discern who is truly sane or insane. Darl, for example, is often depicted as disturbed and unstable, but
his inner monologue is arguably the most coherent of all the characters. Meanwhile, others like Jewel and
Anse act irrationally or obsessively, yet are never explicitly labeled as insane. Ultimately, Faulkner uses
these blurred lines to question the very definition of sanity, suggesting that it is subjective and often a
matter of perception.

IV. Addie Bundren: A Woman on the Verge of Insanity

Addie Bundren, the matriarch of the Bundren family, is portrayed as a woman on the verge of insanity
throughout the novel. She is haunted by her past and the decisions she has made, and constantly feels
trapped in her life. Her melancholic perspective on life is demonstrated when she says, "My father used
to say that the reason for living was to get ready to stay dead a long time" (Faulkner 48). This statement
reflects her outlook on life as meaningless and reflects her intense pain and suffering. Moreover, Addie's
desire for revenge against her husband, Anse, and her affair with Whitfield indicate a woman who is deeply
dissatisfied with her life and who is willing to do anything to escape it. Ultimately, Addie's descent into
madness and subsequent death serves as a representation of her inability to cope with the realities of her
life.

A. Addie's History and Background

Addie Bundren is the matriarch of the Bundren family and her death propels the events in As I Lay Dying.
Her personality and motivations are complex and reveal a history of trauma and isolation. Her father was
a poor farmer and her mother died giving birth to her. As a result, Addie felt rejected and unloved by her
father. She married Anse Bundren, a man who she did not love, and had four children. Her feelings of
discontent and isolation eventually led her to have an affair with her neighbor Whitfield, which resulted in
her fifth child, Jewel. The guilt of her actions and her unfulfilled desire for love and fulfillment resulted in
her morbid preoccupation with death and desire for a solitary and self-contained life. Her past experiences
have a profound effect on her character and the events of the novel.

B. Her Unconventional Thoughts and Beliefs

B. Her unconventional thoughts and beliefs also contribute to the way she is viewed by the other
characters. Her belief that she is going to meet her dead mother at a certain spot in the road prompts
her to stubbornly insist on being taken there, despite the fact that it is out of the way and impractical. Her
insistence on this delusional belief alienates her from the rest of the family, who see her as an obstacle to
their mission to bury Addie in Jefferson. Her unorthodox views on death and the afterlife further solidify
her position as an outcast in the family. Her detachment from traditional societal norms, both in her
behavior and in her beliefs, creates a barrier between her and the other characters that is difficult to
overcome.

C. Addie's Relationships with her Family Members

Addie's relationships with her family members are complex and strained. She seems to have little love
for her husband Anse, and views him as lazy and ineffectual. Her sons, Cash and Darl, are both skilled
carpenters, but she appears to have little interest in their talents or lives. Instead, Addie fixates on her
relationship with her youngest son, Jewel, whom she sees as a product of her affair with the preacher
Whitfield. Her memories of Jewel's birth are tangled up with her feelings of guilt and shame about her
illicit relationship. Addie also forms a close bond with her daughter, Dewey Dell, who is struggling with
an unexpected pregnancy. Despite these relationships, Addie remains largely detached from her family,
seeing them as obstacles between herself and her ultimate goal of finding peace in death.

D. The Role of Grief and Loss in Addie's Mental State

In As I Lay Dying, Addie Bundren's mental state is heavily influenced by grief and loss. After the death of
her son Jewel's horse, she becomes increasingly detached from the world around her. She feels cheated by
life and believes that her soul has been compromised. This sense of loss is further compounded by the fact
that she is dying, which is something that she has accepted as inevitable but still mourns. Addie retreats
into herself and becomes preoccupied with her own thoughts, which only exacerbates her mental state.
She becomes bitter and resentful of those around her, including her own family. Despite this, however,
there are brief moments of acceptance and even happiness, such as when she reflects on her affair with
Whitfield. Ultimately, however, the role of grief and loss in Addie's mental state is one of profound sadness
and emptiness.

As I Lay Dying portrays the struggle between sanity and insanity through the Bundren family's journey to
bury their matriarch Addie in her hometown of Jefferson. Throughout the novel, we witness the characters'
varying degrees of mental instability, from Anse's laziness and lack of empathy to Dewey Dell's extreme
anxiety and desperation. The most striking example of madness, however, is the perspective of the family's
youngest member, Vardaman. His obsession with the death of a fish and his repeated assertion that his
mother is a "fish" highlight his fractured state of mind. William Faulkner's use of multiple narrators allows
for a complex and nuanced examination of sanity, ultimately suggesting that it is a fragile and subjective
concept that can break down under even the slightest duress.

V. Conclusion
In conclusion, Faulkner's As I Lay Dying portrays an array of characters struggling with the complexities
of mental illness and instability. From Addie's nihilistic perspective, to Darl's descent into madness, to
Dewey Dell's desperation, the novel presents a multifaceted exploration of human sanity and insanity.
While some characters like Cash and Anse seem to remain mostly unaffected by these difficulties, they
nonetheless serve as a contrast to the more troubled members of the family. Additionally, the novel's
use of stream-of-consciousness narration and multiple perspectives adds depth and complexity to these
themes. Ultimately, As I Lay Dying serves as a powerful representation of the human experience, offering
a nuanced look at the ways in which mental illness can affect individuals and their relationships.

A. Recap of the Essay's Main Points

In conclusion, the theme of sanity and insanity in As I Lay Dying is introduced through a variety
of characters and their respective behaviors. Through the lens of Cora Tull and her constant religious
commentary, the reader can see the way in which religion is often used as a coping mechanism for pain and
loss. Similarly, the constant shifting perspectives and fragmented narrative structure represent the chaotic
nature of grief and trauma. The character of Darl serves as a prime example of the thin line between
sanity and insanity, as his acute awareness and seemingly prophetic abilities are met with an eventual
descent into madness. Finally, the theme of sanity and insanity is tied to the broader themes of truth and
reality, as the characters' perceptions of these are often skewed by their emotional states. Overall, As I Lay
Dying offers a complex and nuanced exploration of the human psyche and the thin line between sanity
and insanity.

B. The Importance of the Concept of Sanity and Insanity in 'As I Lay Dying'
The concept of sanity and insanity is crucial in As I Lay Dying, as it influences the way the characters
in the novel are perceived by the reader. Faulkner's use of stream of consciousness narration, where
characters' thoughts are revealed directly to the reader, underscores the fragility of characters' mental
states. The characters, especially those who are deemed insane, are often misunderstood by those around
them. For instance, Darl's supposed madness is used against him as a way to discredit his observations
and perceptions. However, it is important to note that the concept of sanity and insanity is not always
clear-cut in the novel. Faulkner blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, raising questions about the
nature of mental illness. Ultimately, the concept of sanity and insanity in As I Lay Dying highlights the
complex nature of human psyche and the social construct of mental illness.

C. Final Thoughts
In conclusion, William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying is a complex and multi-faceted novel that explores
themes of sanity and insanity in a variety of ways. Through the use of multiple narrators, stream
of consciousness writing, and a fragmented narrative structure, Faulkner creates a world that is both
confusing and enlightening, showcasing the blurred lines between what is real and what is perceived in
the minds of his characters. While some characters clearly struggle with mental illness, others simply
grapple with the harsh realities of grief and loss. Ultimately, however, the novel presents a compelling
argument about the importance of empathy and understanding, encouraging readers to question their own
assumptions about what it means to be "sane" or "insane". As such, As I Lay Dying remains a vital and
powerful piece of American literature, challenging readers to confront their own beliefs and biases in
unexpected ways.
Bibliography
- Agustin Vicente. 'Inner Speech.' New Voices, Peter Langland-Hassan, Oxford University Press,
10/18/2018

- Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. 'A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty.'
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, National Academies Press, 9/16/2019

- Nicole B. Wallack. 'Crafting Presence.' The American Essay and the Future of Writing Studies,
University Press of Colorado, 6/1/2017

- William Faulkner. 'As I Lay Dying.' McClelland & Stewart, 10/2/2018

This essay was written by Samwell AI.

https://samwell.ai