As I Lay Dying

As I Lay Dying is a Southern Gothic novel that chronicles the Bundren family’s journey to fulfill the dying wish of their matriarch, Addie Bundren, to be buried in her hometown. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including each of the Bundren family members, using stream-of-consciousness narration. As the family encounters numerous hardships on their journey, the novel delves into themes of death, identity, family loyalty, and the human condition.

As I Lay Dying has faced bans and challenges in various schools and libraries due to its use of coarse language, depictions of death, and its exploration of complex and sometimes disturbing themes. The novel’s portrayal of mental illness, grief, and existential despair was seen by some as inappropriate for younger readers. Additionally, Faulkner’s unconventional narrative style, which includes fragmented thoughts and stream-of-consciousness writing, was considered difficult and controversial. These elements, combined with the novel’s portrayal of rural Southern life, led to its removal from some educational settings.