As I Lay Dying

The novel As I Lay Dying written by William Faulkner poses many different reactions, emotions, and struggles in relation to Addie Bundren's death. This first person narration with fifteen different narrators takes the audience on the Bundren's journey across Mississippi in the smouldering summer heat. The emotional damages throughout this journey far outweigh the physical hardships of transporting a corpse forty miles to Jefferson by wagon. Through the duration of this journey the tension between the family members surface. Facing and overcoming many challenges along the way, the Bundren's always found a way to work through their obstacles together as a family. *THESIS*

Jewel is a character of few words. The most significant thing about Jewel is his companionship with his horse. The way in which he earned his horse reveals a lot about his true character. Jewel is a man best defined through his actions, "He earned the money. He cleaned up forty acres of new ground Quick laid out last spring. He did it single handed, working at night by lantern. I saw him. So I dont reckon that horse cost anybody anything except Jewel." Jewel's actions reveal his hard working character and his physical nature. He does not express himself through words, rather he expresses himself through the deeds and actions he completes throughout the novel.

While Jewel was away working hard during the night and resting during the day in order to earn his horse, it was Addie that tended to his responsibilities. "It was ma that got Dewey Dell to do his milking, paid her somehow, and the other jobs around the house that Jewel had been doing before supper she found some way for Dewey Dell and Vardaman to do them. And doing them herself when pa wasnt there...

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...ay as I knew about Dewey Dell on that day." This quote also seems to suggest that Darl knows about Dewey Dell's pregnancy as well. Darl's intuitiveness allows him to read others secrets often setting him apart from those around him. He uses his talent and the secrets he knows to taunt his family members.

Darl's relation with Addie differs greatly than the relationship that Jewel shares with his mother. Although he shows love for Addie it seems that Darl is in agony of the rejection he has always felt from her and this places him in an immediate opposition of Jewel, "I cannot love my mother because I have no mother. Jewel's mother is a horse." Once again Darl's intuition allows him to see the special connection that Addie shares with Jewel. This allows Darl to feel of less importance to his mother. The special love that Addie show for Jewel causes tension with Darl.