As I Lay Dying Socratic Seminar

1. To what extent are the themes of this novel universal? Is this story for the American
   South or a larger audience? How do you know?
   The themes within here can apply mostly pertain to a Southern audience. The themes included in "As I Lay Dying" are extensialism, the concept of a journey, and change. Each of these aspects helps the characters in this book to change overtime- as they question the purpose of life, struggle to conquer obstacles as they follow a path, and learn to accept new proponents in life (such as pregnancy, death, and physical/ mental challenges in traveling on a path). I know that this is aimed at a Southern audience, because Faulkner is critiquing the traditionalist views of Southern society. He uses Addie to mock religion- as Southerners have strict religious standards, and makes Southern living seem unfair and immoral. 
   
   
   
   
   
2. Is Tull and Jewel's search in the river for Cash's tools an act of love or obligation?
   Tull and Jewel's search for Cash's tools in the river seem to be an act out of obligation. I think this because while Cash was hurt, all he wanted was his tools. While he was trying to recover from a broken leg, he kept asking for his tools. Even though Tull shared a strong connection with Cash, it seems like Tull has changed throughout the course of the book and is more concerned with himself than others (especially in the way that he burns down the barn). Additionally, Jewel never seemed to care for Cash, because Cash did not respect Addie as much and built her coffin right in front of her. 
   
   
   
   
   
3. Addie meditates on the distance between words and actions. Is Faulkner saying that words—his own chosen medium—are inadequate? What do Addie's definitions say about her as a woman?
   Faulkner may possibly be suggesting that his words are inadequate. He uses a different style of language throughout his passage, refers to the theme of extentialism- questioning the purpose of life- ultimately suggesting that not everything he says should be taken literally. 
    Addie's passage, she questions the meaning behind life and what the purpose is in even living if everyone dies eventually in the end. Throughout her passage she seems sort of distant, as she narrates her life story. Readers don't feel a strong connection to Addie, and can sense that her only role in life is to provide children from her family. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Humor and the grotesque are often interdependent in this novel, such as Vardaman's accidental drilling of holes in his dead mother's face so she can breathe, the family setting Cash's broken leg in cement and the family's apparent imperviousness to the stench of Addie's rotting corpse. What are other examples? What was your reaction to such moments?
   
   Another example of humor and the grotesque is when Darl burned the barn that had Addie's body in it. Even though this is absurd and shows the extreme change that Darl has gone through throughout the book. In the beginning of the book, Darl had practical mindset and a good sense of logic. He was able to interpret different sides of stories by revealing how other's felt. However, he no longer seems to care about how others feel as he is willing to burn Addie's body. This is sort of humorous in a way because the body smells so bad, and Darl is the only one willing to get rid of it. 
   
   
   
5. The Bundrens must endure a number of obstacles on their way to Jefferson. To what extent are the elements against them, and to what extent do they sabotage themselves?
   There are several elements that were working against the Bundrens on their way to Jefferson. For instance, they have to cross a flooded river, their mules die (that are pulling a wagon carrying Addie's body), Dewey Dell can't get an abortion treatment, and Darl burns down the barn. In each of these situations, the Bundrens sabotage themselves by making things worse. For instance, they all risk their lives by crossing the river and Cash even breaks his leg. But when Cash breaks his leg, they refuse to take him to the doctor and make things work by trying to set his leg with cement. And when they lose the mules, the Bundrens try to solve the situation by selling Jewel's horse. However, Jewel refuses to sell his horse and makes situations worse by running away. The family then must borrow mules in order to make the trip to Jefferson. 
   
   
6. What compels loyalty in this family? What are the ways in which that loyalty is betrayed? Who do you feel makes the ultimate sacrifice for the family? Overall, do you find this novel to be hopeful or pessimistic? Share your comments. 
   Loyalty to bring Addie to Jefferson is only compelled by each family member's personal desire to go into town. Anse wants to go into town so that he can get his wooden teeth, Dewey Dell wants an abortion, Cash wants more tools, and Vardaman wants a train. Therefore they betray Addie because they are only fulfilling their selfish desires to go to town, and are not concerned with bringing Addie to her grave. Darl even tries to burn Addie's coffin because he is tired of his family's behavior and everything going on. However Jewel makes the ultimate sacrifice and runs into the barn to save Addie's coffin- he is the only one concerned with pleasing Addie. I thought that this novel was very pessimistic- it put the South in a negative light in a way as it mocked traditional values- regarding religion, maternal and familial roles.