Family Dysfunction in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying

by Claudia Durst Johnson (Editor)

Overview

When the matriarch of the Bundren family dies, her family must confront the daunting task of transporting her body across the state of Mississippi for burial in her hometown. As they embark on this journey, with the coffin in tow, they face several trials and tribulations that not only complicate their travel but also highlight the innate dysfunction of the family's complex dynamic. This comprehensive volume explores the themes of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying through the lens of family dysfunction, offering readers a critical look at the intersection between literature and sociology. The book examines Faulkner's life and influences and explores concepts such as the role of maternal influence and sibling rivalry within the novel and within the broader context of society. Chapters also offer a contemporary perspective on family dysfunction through discussion of topics such as the effects of emotional neglect and the role of maternal instincts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780737763867
Publisher:	Greenhaven Publishing LLC
Publication date:	05/01/2013
Series:	Social Issues in Literature Series
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	15 - 17 Years

About the Author

B01

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

Chronology 12

Chapter 1 Background on William Faulkner

1 Faulkner's Growth as a Writer Linda Wagner-Martin 16

2 Faulkner's Economic Struggles Joseph Blotner 26

3 Faulkner's Dysfunctional Family Judith Bryant Wittenberg 33

Chapter 2 As I Lay Dying and Family Dysfunction

1 Faulkner's View of the Bundren Family William Faulkner 42

2 Faulkner's Characters in an Insane World William Rossky 49

3 Family Conflict and Verbal Fictions in As I Lay Dying John Earl Bassett 55

4 The Culture of Religious Suppression in As I Lay Dying Nanci Kincaid 62

5 Maternal Influence in As I Lay Dying Marc Hewson 71

6 Feminine and Maternal Rebellion in As I Lay Dying Amy Louise Wood 81

7 Father as Victim as Well as Villain Rita Rippetoe 88

8 Jewel as Outsider and Man of Action Peter G. Beidler 95

9 Vardaman's Reactions to Death Are Normal Floyd C. Watkins William Dillingham 101

Chapter 3 Contemporary Perspectives on Family Dysfunction

1 Child Neglect Is Prevalent but Not Widely Understood Coffin O'Connor Maggie McKenna 107

2 Marriage May Not Be Essential for a Functional Family Jessica Bennett Jesse Ellison 112

3 Some Women Have No Instinct for Mothering Mary Sojourner 117

4 Fathers Are Important in the Healthy Development of Children Jeffrey Rosenberg W. Bradford Wilcox 123

5 Mom's Favoritism Can Affect Kids, Sibling Rivalry as Adults Sharon Jayson 129

For Further Discussion 136

For Further Reading 137

Bibliography 138

Index 143