As I Lay Dying is a novel by William Faulkner that tells the story of the Bundren family's journey to bury their mother, Addie, in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. Along the way, the characters in the novel speak a great deal about their own struggles and motivations, and their words reveal much about the world in which they live. Here are a few quotes from As I Lay Dying that stand out as particularly poignant or thought-provoking:
- "I would just as soon not have had anything to do with it in the first place, but since I have, I aim to do it right." - Darl Bundren
Darl is one of the main narrators of the novel, and this quote captures his approach to life. He takes on the task of burying his mother not because he wants to, but because it is something that must be done. He recognizes that he has no control over the situation, but he is determined to do the best he can with what he has.
- "The reason for living is getting ready to stay dead a long time." - Addie Bundren
Addie, the mother of the Bundren family, speaks these words as she lies on her deathbed. They reveal her bleak view of life, which is characterized by a sense of futility and despair. For Addie, the only thing that makes life worth living is the fact that it will eventually come to an end.
- "I have always liked the way a funeral makes you feel. It's the one time you can get up and look at people and know that you are getting the best of them." - Anse Bundren
Anse is the father of the Bundren family, and he is often portrayed as being selfish and self-absorbed. This quote reveals his opportunistic nature, as he sees a funeral as an opportunity to "get the best" of other people.
- "I dont know what I aim to do. I aint got the brain for it. I aint got sense enough to come in out of the rain." - Cash Bundren
Cash is one of the Bundren brothers, and he is known for his practicality and his skills as a carpenter. This quote reveals his self-doubt and lack of confidence in his own abilities. Despite his talents, Cash lacks the ambition or drive to pursue his dreams.
- "I think that maybe there is only one person in the world who can tell us what it is. And that is ourselves." - Jewel Bundren
Jewel is the illegitimate son of Addie and Anse, and he is fiercely independent and self-reliant. This quote captures his belief that each person is ultimately responsible for their own happiness and well-being. He suggests that the only way to find out what we truly want and need is to look inside ourselves.
Overall, the quotes from As I Lay Dying reveal a great deal about the characters in the novel and the world in which they live. They speak to themes of futility, self-doubt, and the search for meaning in a difficult and often unforgiving world.
