As I Lay Dying is a 1930 novel by American author William Faulkner It is widely regarded as one of his most important works and one of the greatest works of 20th-century literature. Set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, the story is told from the perspective of fifteen characters who narrate the story in a series of fragmented and intersecting tribal dialects. The novel follows the Bundren family as they attempt to fulfill a promise made by their dying mother, Addie, to have her remains buried in her hometown, Jefferson.
As I Lay Dying is an ideal text for in-depth literary analysis, as it contains both psychological and ideological elements. Its complex structure and challenging narrative style present a wealth of topics to explore and discuss. Here are five interesting essay topics to consider when writing about As I Lay Dying:
1. Explore the theme of mortality and the consequences of death in As I Lay Dying. How does Faulkner use the characters’ individual perspectives to reinforce this theme?
2. Assess the importance of language and dialect in the novel. What meaning and message is communicated through the characters’ varied speech styles?
3. Analyze the role of religion in the novel. How is faith and spirituality portrayed in the lives of the Bundren family?
4. Examine the characterization of Addie Bundren. How does her death and her presence throughout the novel shape the narrative?
5. Discuss the symbolism in As I Lay Dying. What does the set of coffins and their transportation to Jefferson represent?