Analyzing Faulkner's As I Lay Dying Excerpt Lines 5-9 Meaning And Discussion

As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner's groundbreaking novel, is a cornerstone of modernist literature, renowned for its innovative use of stream of consciousness and fragmented narrative. The novel plunges readers into the raw, unfiltered thoughts of the Bundren family as they undertake a harrowing journey to bury their matriarch, Addie. This excerpt, though brief, offers a potent glimpse into the mind of one of the characters, showcasing Faulkner's masterful command of language and psychological depth. This article delves into the complexities of this passage, unraveling its layers of meaning and exploring its significance within the broader context of the novel. We will dissect the seemingly disjointed thoughts, tracing the connections between them and illuminating the underlying themes of death, family, and the human condition. Through a close reading of the text, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of Faulkner's narrative technique and the profound impact it has on the reader's experience. By examining the character's internal monologue, we gain insight into their motivations, their relationships with other family members, and their perception of the world around them. This exploration will not only enhance your appreciation of As I Lay Dying but also deepen your understanding of the power of stream of consciousness as a literary device.

Unpacking the Excerpt: A Journey into a Mind

The excerpt from As I Lay Dying presents a series of seemingly disconnected observations, a hallmark of Faulkner's stream-of-consciousness style. Let's break down each line and explore its potential meaning:

"In a bed where people lie down all the time, the joints and seams are made sideways, because the stress is sideways."

This opening statement is a practical, almost clinical observation about the construction of a bed. The speaker notes the logical alignment of joints and seams with the direction of stress. However, even in this seemingly mundane observation, Faulkner hints at deeper themes. The bed, a place of rest, sickness, and ultimately, death, becomes a focal point. The emphasis on structure and support foreshadows the challenges the Bundren family will face in their journey and the weight of their grief. The sideways stress could also be interpreted metaphorically, representing the emotional burdens and sideways glances exchanged within the family. This initial statement sets a tone of contemplation and introspection, immediately drawing the reader into the character's internal world. The practicality of the observation also provides a contrast to the more abstract and emotional thoughts that follow, highlighting the complex interplay between reason and feeling in the character's mind. Furthermore, the mention of a bed immediately connects to Addie's deathbed, grounding the passage in the central event of the novel and reminding the reader of the somber context in which these thoughts arise.

"Except."

This single word acts as a pivot, a disruption of the logical flow established in the first line. It signifies a shift in thought, a realization that the initial observation is incomplete or inadequate. This is a crucial moment, marking the transition from the concrete to the abstract, from the physical to the emotional. The conciseness of the word amplifies its impact, creating a sense of unease and anticipation. The reader is left wondering what the exception is, what crucial detail has been overlooked. This simple word effectively encapsulates the complexity of human thought, the way our minds jump from one idea to another, often triggered by a single word or feeling. In the context of the novel, the "except" could represent the inadequacy of logic and reason in the face of death and grief. It suggests that there are aspects of life, particularly the emotional and spiritual dimensions, that cannot be easily explained or categorized.

"A body is not square like a crosstie."

This statement introduces the central metaphor of the excerpt: the contrast between a human body and a crosstie. A crosstie, a rectangular piece of wood used to support railroad tracks, is a symbol of rigid structure and conformity. In contrast, a body is organic, asymmetrical, and subject to decay. This line highlights the inherent incompatibility between the constructed world and the natural world, between the man-made and the living. The image of the crosstie evokes a sense of constraint and confinement, while the body represents freedom and vulnerability. The juxtaposition of these two images underscores the limitations of applying rigid, logical frameworks to human experience, especially in matters of life and death. The statement also hints at the dehumanizing effects of societal structures and expectations, suggesting that individuals are often forced to conform to shapes and roles that do not fit their true nature. This line connects to the novel's broader themes of alienation and the struggle for individual identity in the face of societal pressures.

"Animal magnetism."

This final phrase is the most enigmatic and open to interpretation. "Animal magnetism" is an outdated term that refers to a supposed force or influence exerted by animals, and by extension, humans. It suggests a primal, instinctual connection between living beings, a force that transcends logic and reason. In the context of the excerpt, it could refer to the unexplainable attraction or repulsion between people, the unspoken bonds that connect family members, or the raw, untamed emotions that drive the Bundren family's actions. The phrase also evokes a sense of mystery and the supernatural, hinting at forces beyond human comprehension. It could also be interpreted as a reference to the physical body and its inherent desires and drives, contrasting with the earlier emphasis on structure and form. This final phrase leaves the reader with a lingering sense of ambiguity and invites further reflection on the complex interplay between the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of human existence.

The Significance of Stream of Consciousness

Faulkner's use of stream of consciousness is crucial to understanding this excerpt and the novel as a whole. This narrative technique allows readers to directly access a character's thoughts and feelings, unfiltered and unedited. The fragmented nature of the excerpt, the abrupt shifts in thought, and the lack of clear transitions all mimic the way our minds actually work. This intimate access to the character's inner world creates a sense of immediacy and realism, drawing the reader into the emotional heart of the story. By foregoing traditional narrative structures and allowing the character's thoughts to flow freely, Faulkner creates a powerful and immersive reading experience. The reader is not simply told what the character is thinking; they are placed directly inside the character's mind, experiencing the world through their unique perspective. This technique is particularly effective in exploring complex emotions and psychological states, allowing Faulkner to delve into the deepest recesses of human consciousness. The stream of consciousness also allows for ambiguity and multiple interpretations, reflecting the inherent complexity of human thought and the subjective nature of experience.

Connecting the Excerpt to Broader Themes in As I Lay Dying

This excerpt, though brief, resonates with several key themes in As I Lay Dying. The theme of death is subtly present throughout, from the initial image of the bed to the final mention of "animal magnetism," which can be interpreted as a life force in the face of mortality. The contrast between the rigid crosstie and the organic body speaks to the fragility of human life and the inevitability of decay. The excerpt also touches on the theme of family, particularly the complex and often fraught relationships between family members. The unspoken connections and tensions within the Bundren family are hinted at in the fragmented thoughts and ambiguous phrases. The theme of the human condition is also central to the excerpt, exploring the interplay between reason and emotion, the individual and society, and the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence. Faulkner's masterful use of language and imagery allows him to explore these profound themes with depth and nuance, creating a lasting impact on the reader. The excerpt serves as a microcosm of the novel as a whole, encapsulating its central concerns and highlighting its innovative narrative techniques.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into Faulkner's Genius

This excerpt from As I Lay Dying offers a compelling glimpse into Faulkner's literary genius. Through his masterful use of stream of consciousness, he invites readers into the mind of a character grappling with fundamental questions about life, death, and the human condition. The seemingly disjointed thoughts reveal a complex web of emotions, memories, and associations, creating a rich and multi-layered reading experience. The excerpt's brevity belies its depth, as each phrase resonates with multiple meanings and connections to the novel's broader themes. By unpacking the individual lines and exploring their significance within the context of the work, we gain a deeper appreciation for Faulkner's narrative technique and his profound insights into human nature. This excerpt serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of literature to illuminate the complexities of the human experience and to challenge our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Faulkner's legacy as a master of modernist literature is firmly cemented by works like As I Lay Dying, which continue to captivate and challenge readers with their innovative style and profound themes. This excerpt is a testament to his ability to distill complex ideas and emotions into concise and evocative language, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's mind.