As I Lay Dying is a 1930 novel by American author William Faulkner. The book was Faulkner’s fifth novel and was ranked number 35 on Modern Library’s list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. As I Lay Dying is consistently regarded as one of Faulkner’s greatest works and a seminal piece in 20th century American literature.
The novel takes place in Faulkner’s fictional Yoknapatawpha County in Mississippi. It tells the story of the Bundren family’s quest to honor the wish of matriarch Addie Bundren to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson after her death. The novel is narrated by 15 different characters over 59 chapters and uses a stream-of-consciousness writing technique.
As I Lay Dying was met with controversy upon its initial publication in 1930. Though the book was a commercial success, many readers and critics were confused by the novel’s fractured narrative structure and were offended by the book’s gritty depictions of rural Southern life and use of profanity.
Plot Summary
The novel centers around the death of Addie Bundren and her poor family’s quest to honor her wish to be buried in Jefferson, 40 miles away. Addie is married to Anse Bundren and they have five children: Cash, Darl, Jewel, Dewey Dell, and Vardaman.
After Addie dies, Anse enlists his sons to build a coffin and load it onto a wagon to transport her body to Jefferson. Heavy rains cause rivers to flood, and the family encounters significant adversity on their journey. They eventually make it to Jefferson, where Addie is buried as she wished.
The novel employs a nonlinear narrative, with each chapter told from the perspective of a different character. The fractured storytelling provides insight into the worldviews of each character.
Initial Critical Reception
When As I Lay Dying was published in October 1930, many readers were confused by the book’s experimental narrative techniques and were offended by its raw representation of rural Southern life.
Some key points of controversy and criticism:
- Faulkner’s disjointed narrative structure was seen as random and completely lacking organization or cohesion.
- The stream-of-consciousness writing style made the book difficult to follow.
- The book included objectionable content like profanity, vivid imagery of bodily functions, and incest.
- Critics saw the Bundren family as monstrous and unsympathetic protagonists.
- The book provided an unflattering glimpse of poor, rural Southern life that made readers uncomfortable.
For example, a review in the New York Evening Post described the book as “a wild and rambling thing of no particular literary virtue in itself” and said the Bundrens were “unwashed, profane, libidinous, and irascible.” Many questioned Faulkner’s credibility and skill as a writer.
However, a handful of critics recognized Faulkner’s talent. Conrad Aiken wrote positively of the book in the New York Herald Tribune, praising its “passionate virtuosity.” Faulkner’s friend Sherwood Anderson also defended the novel. But initial reception was largely negative.
Faulkner’s Defense
In response to the confusion and criticism, Faulkner defended his novel in essays and interviews. He argued that the disjointed narration was purposeful and that each chapter was one small piece that contributed to the larger whole.
In a lecture at the University of Virginia in 1957, Faulkner described the book’s structure:
It began with a comedy; it moves from a comedy through tragedy, and it ends as a comedy. That’s the basic shape of it. And that was completely accidental because that’s the shape that life makes.
He explained that he wanted to objectively depict the real lives of poor Southern farmers, including their troubles and flaws. He felt the novel as a whole formed “a kind of fugue, in which all of them [the characters] are talking at the same time to say in chorus what the summation is.”
While As I Lay Dying was crafted with purpose, Faulkner acknowledged it was a challenging read and unconventional novel. But he maintained confidence in his pioneering narrative techniques.
Lasting Impact and Significance
Though initially polarizing, As I Lay Dying is now considered one of Faulkner’s greatest works and a pioneering novel of early American modernism. Faulkner’s innovative literary methods influenced countless 20th century writers.
The novel has taken on greater significance over time:
- It is seen as a seminal early example of postmodernist fiction, directly influencing later works like Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
- Themes of fractured identities and isolation in a mechanized world resonated with the post-WWI “lost generation” and still feel relevant today.
- Stream-of-consciousness narration and shifting perspectives to reveal truth became hallmarks of high modernism.
- The book offered a compassionate glimpse at the lives of poor rural Southerners typically overlooked in literature.
While the novel shocked 1930s audiences, modern readers better appreciate Faulkner’s genius. As I Lay Dying appears on most lists of great 20th century novels today.
Summary of Key Controversies
– Fractured narrative structure was hard to comprehend
– Unflattering portrayal of rural Southern life was offensive
– Incest, profanity, vivid bodily functions were objectionable
– Bundren family seen as monstrous protagonists
– Questioned Faulkner’s skills and credibility as a writer
– Defended by Faulkner as purposefully modernist and objective
Conclusion
The publication of William Faulkner’s 1930 novel As I Lay Dying was met with widespread controversy and criticism. Readers were baffled by the disjointed narrative voice and stream-of-consciousness style. Many were also offended by the book’s gritty depictions of Southern poverty and use of objectionable content. The initial reception was mostly negative, with some questioning Faulkner’s writing abilities altogether.
However, Faulkner defended his methods, explaining his goal of portraying the reality of poor rural lives in an innovative modernist way. While certainly shocking for its time, As I Lay Dying is now viewed as one of Faulkner’s masterpieces and acclaimed for its literary originality. The novel pioneered postmodern fiction techniques and left a lasting impact. Though initially divisive, As I Lay Dying stands today as a seminal work of 20th century American modernism.