90 pages • 3 hours read
William FaulknerAs I Lay Dying
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1930A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner follows the Bundren family on their journey across Mississippi to fulfill their matriarch Addie's dying wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson. Along the way, they face numerous struggles and personal dilemmas, including severe weather, social stigma, and traumatic injuries, all narrated through a stream-of-consciousness style that reveals their complex inner lives. Sensitive topics in this book include death, mental illness, unplanned pregnancy, and infidelity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews for As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner highlight its innovative narrative style and deep exploration of personal and familial themes. Critics praise the unique multiple perspectives and rich, complex characterizations. However, some find the structure challenging and the prose dense. Overall, it is celebrated for its literary significance and emotional depth.
Who Should Read As I Lay Dying?
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner appeals to readers who appreciate Southern Gothic literature, intricate narratives, and multi-perspective storytelling. Similar audiences enjoy The Sound and the Fury and Beloved by Toni Morrison. Fans of character-driven plots and stream of consciousness writing will find it intriguing.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
870L