The Great Books Podcast: Episode 347 - 'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner

Host: John J. Miller | Guest: Nick Repatrizone | Release Date: November 5, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 347 of The Great Books Podcast, hosted by John J. Miller of the National Review, literary enthusiast Nick Repatrizone joins to delve deep into William Faulkner's seminal work, "As I Lay Dying." Repatrizone, an accomplished author and culture editor, brings his insightful perspective to explore the layers of Faulkner's novel, discussing its characters, themes, and enduring legacy within American literature.

Why "As I Lay Dying" is a Great Book

At [01:05], Repatrizone asserts, "As I Lay Dying is one of Faulkner's best," highlighting its significance as a reflection of Faulkner's Nobel Prize-winning vision. He emphasizes the novel's embodiment of Faulkner's call for writers to transcend the ephemeral moment and engage with eternal truths, thus achieving immortality through art. Repatrizone considers "As I Lay Dying" the prototypical Faulkner novel, encapsulating the essence of his artistic vision.

Characters and Narration Structure

Darl Bundren is introduced as the first narrator at [02:35]. Repatrizone describes Darl as a World War I veteran, more worldly than his family members, whose varied narrative style allows Faulkner to explore abstract thoughts seamlessly. This makes Darl an ideal entry point into the novel's complex narrative fabric.

The novel features 59 short chapters, each named after a different character, totaling 15 narrators. At [10:00], Miller notes the novel’s fragmented storytelling, which Repatrizone explains as a modernist technique that, despite appearing chaotic, maintains a cohesive and forward-moving narrative.

Setting and Faulkner's Literary Universe

Located in the fictional Yachna, Porter County, Mississippi—loosely based on Lafayette County and the town of Jefferson, which mirrors Oxford, Mississippi—the setting is a cornerstone of Faulkner's intricate literary universe. At [08:01], Repatrizone draws parallels between Faulkner's creation and James Joyce's mythical landscapes, noting that Faulkner's setting provides an "ancient identity for his American South," serving as a timeless backdrop for his characters' struggles.

Classical References and Title Significance

The title "As I Lay Dying" draws from Homer's Odyssey, specifically the 11th book involving a visit to the underworld. Repatrizone explains at [10:17] that this reference underscores the novel’s exploration of death and the metaphoric journey to the afterlife. This connection aligns the Bundren family's arduous pilgrimage to bury Addie Bundren with epic, mythological undertones, highlighting the universal struggle with mortality.

Modernism and Southern Gothic Elements

Faulkner is characterized as a Southern Gothic and modernist writer at [12:09]. Repatrizone explains that Southern Gothic, a term coined by Ellen Glasgow, captures Faulkner's depiction of "fantastic nightmares"—violent, horrific, and nightmarish elements—coupled with fragmented, yet ultimately unified, modernist storytelling. This blend allows "As I Lay Dying" to present a fractured narrative that mirrors the dissonance and grief of the Bundren family.

Economic Struggles and Family Dynamics

The Bundren family's journey is not just a physical trek but also an economic and emotional odyssey. Repatrizone discusses Ants Bundren's selfish motivations for the journey at [16:22], revealing his desire for new teeth as a primary reason for honoring Addie's wish to be buried in Jefferson. This selfishness adds complexity to Ants's character, showcasing Faulkner's ability to portray flawed individuals whose actions are driven by deeper, sometimes nefarious, motives.

Key Characters and Their Journeys

• Vardaman Bundren: The youngest child grapples with understanding his mother's death, encapsulated in his poignant declaration, "My mother is a fish" ([18:58]). Repatrizone interprets this as Vardaman's struggle to reconcile his mother's physical presence with her absence, reflecting Faulkner's exploration of grief through a child's perspective.

• Dewey Dell: The daughter faces her own turmoil, grappling with an unwanted pregnancy ([21:42]). Her desperate quest for an abortion highlights the novel's themes of abandonment and the dire circumstances that leave her vulnerable. Repatrizone emphasizes that Dewey Dell's plight underscores the necessity of love and understanding in overcoming personal crises ([23:59]).

The River Crossing: A Pivotal Moment

At [20:07], the discussion turns to the Bundrens' attempted river crossing, a scene marked by chaos and tragedy. Repatrizone describes this event as "Joycean" with its long, layered sentences, symbolizing a hellish milieu where the characters confront both physical and emotional barriers. The failure of the crossing not only injures Cash but also reinforces the inevitability of the novel's grim resolution ([20:07]).

Faith, Mortality, and Afterlife

Faulkner's exploration of faith and mortality is deepened through Addie Bundren's reflective line, "I could just remember how my father used to say that the reason for living was to stay dead a long time" ([25:01]). Repatrizone interprets this as a contemplation of existence and the human condition, where faith serves as a means to confront the inescapable reality of death. The prolonged journey to bury Addie becomes a metaphor for grappling with mortality, with Faulkner presenting a nuanced view that eschews simplistic resolutions in favor of a more authentic portrayal of grief and loss ([25:01]).

Conclusion and Legacy

In wrapping up the novel, when the Bundrens meet Mrs. Bundren—Ants's new wife—the ending is described as "messy" and true to life, aligning with Faulkner's realistic portrayal of human complexities ([27:23]). Repatrizone likens "As I Lay Dying" to a Greek tragedy, emphasizing its timeless and tragic qualities within the American South literary tradition.

Faulkner's legacy, as discussed at [29:23], places him alongside literary giants like James Joyce. His innovative narrative techniques and profound thematic explorations make him a central figure in Southern American literature, with "As I Lay Dying" exemplifying his ability to weave eternal truths into the fabric of his storytelling.

Relevance Today

At [31:48], Repatrizone posits that "As I Lay Dying" remains profoundly relevant, particularly its themes of economic struggle, personal sacrifice, and the unending facets of human emotion. In an era where individuals face significant personal and financial challenges, the Bundren family's journey offers a reflective mirror on contemporary struggles, making Faulkner's work an essential exploration of the human condition.

Final Thoughts

Nick Repatrizone's insightful analysis in The Great Books Podcast underscores the enduring brilliance of William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying." Through its rich characterizations, innovative narrative structure, and profound thematic depth, the novel continues to resonate, offering valuable lessons and reflections for modern readers.

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