Literary Criticism In William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying

William Faulkner’s novel, As I Lay Dying, comprises a complex narrative that can be analyzed in depth for meaning and significance nestled just below the surface. The arsenal of literary criticism lenses functions as a medium with which readers can interpret and discern these deeper meanings, enriching their overall foray into the novel. As such, one ideal lens to employ and magnify the ulterior meanings embedded within the novel is the Marxist Critical Theory, which revolves around the use of the titular socialist theories and principles of Karl Marx in texts. The actions and mentalities of the characters within the novel highlight the very economic struggles and predicaments that Marxist theories emphasize. One such scenario is through

Dewey Dell, attempting to purchase drugs with which to abort her pregnancy, speaks to McGowan regarding potential treatment for her condition, thinking that he is a certified medical professional. However, McGowan, in reality, is not certified, and exhibits a tendency for greed and manipulation. After Dewey Dell presents the amount of money she possesses, McGowan responds, “Pooh, ten dollars? You see, I cant put no price on my knowledge and skill. Certainly not for no little paltry sawbuck” (Faulkner 246). Already, it is evident that McGowan is already concocting ways in which to capitalize upon Dewey Dell’s misfortune and profit off of it. Later on, McGowan offers her a sham treatment, but takes sexual advantage of Dewey Dell. McGowan’s treachery can be symbolic of the ability of the bourgeoisie and business elitists in Marxist philosophy to exploit the labor of their workers, mistreating them as assets to be used to maximize profit (Brizee, Tompkins, Chernouski, “Marxist Criticism (1930s-Present)”). Dewey Dell represents the hapless proletariat worker, while McGowan represents the ruthless capitalist. In addition, Anse’s sacrifice of Cash’s carpentry equipment and the family’s cultivation tools marks a severe blow for the family, as these items comprise the livelihood and assets of the family. Anse’s decision to sell off these items and purchase a new set of mules to carry Addie’s coffin symbolizes how the corporate elitists and capitalists consider the proletariat masses beneath them to be “expendable,” and their labor to be a means to an end. The equipment sacrificed by Anse could have assisted the family with future endeavors and tasks, but they are instead used to expedite the journey of reaching Addie’s burial site, furthering Anse’s obsession to get the task