Is it true? Yes, it is true that the Bundren family was
dysfunctional. It is true that when Addie died, Anse kept his promise to her
and buried her with her family in Jefferson. It is true that life goes on.
People die and life continues. This is shown very clearly by Anse when as soon
as he had reached Jefferson, he was looking for a replacement for Addie. It is
true that lazy people, such as Anse, who would “die” if he broke into a sweat,
can live off the good will of others. This is shown clearly in today’s society
where many people live unfairly off food stamps and the good will of churches,
food pantry’s, and other community services. Laziness should never be rewarded.
Resources should be given to only those who truly need them.
Is it beautiful? No, it was not beautiful. It was a brutal,
ugly story of the harsh realities of life. Death happens, whenever life occurs,
death is always the ending to the story. Dysfunctional families are never
beautiful. Unfortunately, families like this exist in our current society. I am
slightly surprised Faulkner didn’t include a wife beating or a rape in this
story. Only, maybe that is just the true stories from the 21st
century. I really can’t think of much
that was beautiful about As I Lay Dying.
Probably, Jewel selling his beloved horse because his family needed it to fulfill
Addie’s wish. Parts of the book were exaggerated and slightly comical with a
sadistic twist. For example, the concrete cast that caused Cash to lose much of
his leg. Reverend Whitefield thinking it was God’s will that Addie died before
he had to confess their affair. I must say I am with Darl, I finished the book
with a slightly crazed laugh and a glazed look in my eyes.
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