In As I Lay Dying, the main idea, or theme, is that of obsession. On the surface, this novel appears to be about the Bundren family's desire to give their mother what she wanted, even in death. However, after careful analysis it becomes evident that most of the novel's characters actually possess an ulterior motive that drives them to be so A summary of the plot of Faulkner's novel As I Lay Dying, which follows the Bundrens' journey to bury their mother Addie in Jefferson. The summary covers the main events, characters, themes, and symbols of the story, as well as the narrator's point of view and the author's style. E.L. Doctorow. E.L. Doctorow is the author most recently of All the Time in the World: New and Selected Stories, which appeared last year. His essay in this issue will appear in different form as the introduction to a new edition of As I Lay Dying, to be published by Modern Library in May. . (May 2012) Study Guide for As I Lay Dying. As I Lay Dying study guide contains a biography of William Faulkner, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. About As I Lay Dying; As I Lay Dying Summary; Character List; Themes; Section 1 Summary and Analysis; Read the Study Guide for As I Lay Dying… Video Sponsored by Ridge Wallet: Code "BETTERTHANFOOD" for 10% off your orderBUY HERE:https://amzn.to/2Sj0NB5Cafe Du Lesson Summary As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner William Faulkner published As I Lay Dying in 1930. The novel is considered a tour-de-force, a triumphant display of skill. Summary Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides. As I Lay Dying: Introduction A concise biography of William Faulkner plus historical and literary context for As I Lay Dying. As I Lay Dying: Plot Summary As I Lay Dying is Faulkner's harrowing account of the Bundren family's odyssey across the Mississippi countryside to bury Addie, their wife and mother. Narrated in turn by each of the family members -- including Addie herself -- as well as others; the novel ranges in mood, from dark comedy to the deepest pathos. Analyze the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying:-The use of symbolism is evident from the very beginning of the novel when Faulkner introduces the symbol of the coffin.The coffin is the object that represents the driving force of the narrative as the Bundren family is tasked with transporting Addie Bundren's body to her hometown of Jefferson. As I Lay Dying can be really confusing because of the stream of consciousness writing he uses. You're just plopped into the middle of each narrator's thoughts sometimes with no context. I just did a huge project on this novel for a college English course and a lot of our class time in the beginning was just sorting through what was happening KKhzz.