As I Lay Dying · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The novel is dedicated to Hal Smith.
Chapter 2
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 3
Cora
Cora Tull reflects on a conversation with Addie Bundren about sin, salvation, and religious duty. Cora criticizes Addie for her pride and vanity, accusing her of judging her own sin and placing her son Jewel above God. Addie insists she knows her own sin and that Jewel is both her cross and her salvation, leading Cora to pray for her.
Chapter 4
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 5
Jewel
Jewel expresses his intense frustration and anger at Cash's constant work on Addie's coffin, which he feels is a cruel reminder of her impending death. He contrasts this with his own desire for privacy and stillness, imagining a violent escape from the prying eyes of neighbors and family.
Chapter 6
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 7
Cora
Cora Tull reflects on a conversation with Addie Bundren about sin, salvation, and religious duty. Cora criticizes Addie for her pride and vanity, accusing her of judging her own sin and placing her son Jewel above God. Addie insists she knows her own sin and that Jewel is both her cross and her salvation, leading Cora to pray for her.
Chapter 8
Dewey Dell
Dewey Dell confronts her father Anse over ten dollars she earned from selling cakes to Cora Tull. Anse accuses her of lying and being ungrateful, ultimately taking the money despite her protests that it is not hers to give.
Chapter 9
Tull
Tull recounts the dangerous river crossing to Cora, describing how Darl jumped from the wagon, Cash struggled to save the coffin, and Jewel fought to control his horse. Cora interprets the event as divine intervention, while Tull focuses on the physical struggle and the near-drowning of Cash.
Chapter 10
Anse
Anse Bundren reflects on the hardship of farming and the unfairness of a world where honest labor goes unrewarded, while townspeople profit without sweat. He sees his suffering as a divine test, believing in a heavenly reward where all will be equal. After a long day of travel, he learns that another bridge is washed out due to unprecedented flooding, yet he finds solace in the prospect of finally getting new teeth.
Chapter 11
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 12
Peabody
Doctor Peabody confronts Cash Bundren about his broken leg, which Anse Bundren treated with raw cement instead of seeking proper medical care. Peabody is furious at the negligence and the suffering Cash endured during the six-day wagon journey to Jefferson. He warns Cash of permanent damage and a shortened leg, while Cash stoically downplays the pain, echoing his father's dismissive attitude.
Chapter 13
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 14
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 15
Dewey Dell
Dewey Dell confronts her father Anse over ten dollars she earned from selling cakes to Cora Tull. Anse accuses her of lying and being ungrateful, ultimately taking the money despite her protests that it is not hers to give.
Chapter 16
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 17
Tull
Tull recounts the dangerous river crossing to Cora, describing how Darl jumped from the wagon, Cash struggled to save the coffin, and Jewel fought to control his horse. Cora interprets the event as divine intervention, while Tull focuses on the physical struggle and the near-drowning of Cash.
Chapter 18
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 19
Cash
After the burial, the Bundrens prepare to leave Jefferson. Cash reflects on his broken leg and the family's return home. Anse, having gotten new teeth and a new wife, introduces Mrs. Bundren to his children, who are shocked to see her carrying a graphophone. Cash muses on the value of music and the fate of Darl.
Chapter 20
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 21
Tull
Tull recounts the dangerous river crossing to Cora, describing how Darl jumped from the wagon, Cash struggled to save the coffin, and Jewel fought to control his horse. Cora interprets the event as divine intervention, while Tull focuses on the physical struggle and the near-drowning of Cash.
Chapter 22
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 23
Cash
After the burial, the Bundrens prepare to leave Jefferson. Cash reflects on his broken leg and the family's return home. Anse, having gotten new teeth and a new wife, introduces Mrs. Bundren to his children, who are shocked to see her carrying a graphophone. Cash muses on the value of music and the fate of Darl.
Chapter 24
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 25
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 26
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 27
Anse
Anse Bundren reflects on the hardship of farming and the unfairness of a world where honest labor goes unrewarded, while townspeople profit without sweat. He sees his suffering as a divine test, believing in a heavenly reward where all will be equal. After a long day of travel, he learns that another bridge is washed out due to unprecedented flooding, yet he finds solace in the prospect of finally getting new teeth.
Chapter 28
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 29
Anse
Anse Bundren reflects on the hardship of farming and the unfairness of a world where honest labor goes unrewarded, while townspeople profit without sweat. He sees his suffering as a divine test, believing in a heavenly reward where all will be equal. After a long day of travel, he learns that another bridge is washed out due to unprecedented flooding, yet he finds solace in the prospect of finally getting new teeth.
Chapter 30
Samson
Samson recounts the Bundrens' arrival at his farm just before sundown, noting their wagon, Jewel on a spotted horse, and the group's determination to reach Jefferson despite washed-out bridges. He offers them lodging for the night, but they refuse to come inside, choosing to squat by the wagon containing Addie's body. Samson observes Anse's stubborn pride in the rising river, overhears Dewey Dell's fierce insistence that Anse keep his promise to Addie, and notes Jewel's refusal to be beholden for his horse's feed. Rachel is outraged by the situation, and the next morning Samson finds a buzzard in the barn, a grim sign of the decay to come.
Chapter 31
Dewey Dell
Dewey Dell confronts her father Anse over ten dollars she earned from selling cakes to Cora Tull. Anse accuses her of lying and being ungrateful, ultimately taking the money despite her protests that it is not hers to give.
Chapter 32
Tull
Tull recounts the dangerous river crossing to Cora, describing how Darl jumped from the wagon, Cash struggled to save the coffin, and Jewel fought to control his horse. Cora interprets the event as divine intervention, while Tull focuses on the physical struggle and the near-drowning of Cash.
Chapter 33
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 34
Tull
Tull recounts the dangerous river crossing to Cora, describing how Darl jumped from the wagon, Cash struggled to save the coffin, and Jewel fought to control his horse. Cora interprets the event as divine intervention, while Tull focuses on the physical struggle and the near-drowning of Cash.
Chapter 35
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 36
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 37
Tull
Tull recounts the dangerous river crossing to Cora, describing how Darl jumped from the wagon, Cash struggled to save the coffin, and Jewel fought to control his horse. Cora interprets the event as divine intervention, while Tull focuses on the physical struggle and the near-drowning of Cash.
Chapter 38
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 39
Cash
After the burial, the Bundrens prepare to leave Jefferson. Cash reflects on his broken leg and the family's return home. Anse, having gotten new teeth and a new wife, introduces Mrs. Bundren to his children, who are shocked to see her carrying a graphophone. Cash muses on the value of music and the fate of Darl.
Chapter 40
Cora
Cora Tull reflects on a conversation with Addie Bundren about sin, salvation, and religious duty. Cora criticizes Addie for her pride and vanity, accusing her of judging her own sin and placing her son Jewel above God. Addie insists she knows her own sin and that Jewel is both her cross and her salvation, leading Cora to pray for her.
Chapter 41
Addie
Addie Bundren reflects on her life, her marriage to Anse, her affair with Whitfield, and her complex feelings about motherhood, duty, and language. She describes her hatred for her students, her decision to marry Anse, the births of her children, and her belief that words are meaningless compared to actions and deeds. She concludes that she has 'cleaned her house' through Jewel and is ready to die.
Chapter 42
Whitfield
Whitfield, the minister who had an affair with Addie Bundren, wrestles with his conscience upon learning she is dying. He prays for guidance, interprets natural obstacles as divine tests, and resolves to confess his sin to Anse. However, upon arriving at Tull's house, he learns that Addie has already died, and he rationalizes that God accepts his intention to confess as equivalent to the act itself.
Chapter 43
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 44
Armstid
Armstid narrates the Bundrens' desperate stop at his farm. Anse reveals he traded Cash's money for a talking machine and tried to swap Jewel's horse for a team, leading Jewel to ride off in fury. Cash's broken leg is set by Uncle Billy, and the family refuses Armstid's help, camping by the roadside. Later, Snopes sends mules after Jewel inexplicably returns the horse, and buzzards circle the barn, drawn by Addie's decaying body.
Chapter 45
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 46
Moseley
Moseley, a druggist in Mottson, recounts an encounter with Dewey Dell Bundren, who comes into his store seeking an abortifacient. He refuses her request, advising her to marry Lafe instead. After she leaves, he learns from Albert that the Bundren family is passing through town with Addie's decaying body, having stopped to buy cement for Cash's broken leg. The marshal forces them to move on due to the smell.
Chapter 47
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 48
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 49
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 50
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 51
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 52
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 53
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 54
Cash
After the burial, the Bundrens prepare to leave Jefferson. Cash reflects on his broken leg and the family's return home. Anse, having gotten new teeth and a new wife, introduces Mrs. Bundren to his children, who are shocked to see her carrying a graphophone. Cash muses on the value of music and the fate of Darl.
Chapter 55
Peabody
Doctor Peabody confronts Cash Bundren about his broken leg, which Anse Bundren treated with raw cement instead of seeking proper medical care. Peabody is furious at the negligence and the suffering Cash endured during the six-day wagon journey to Jefferson. He warns Cash of permanent damage and a shortened leg, while Cash stoically downplays the pain, echoing his father's dismissive attitude.
Chapter 56
Macgowan
Macgowan, a drugstore clerk, encounters a young country woman seeking an abortion. He pretends to be a doctor, manipulates her into drinking a turpentine-like substance, and arranges a late-night meeting in the cellar, exploiting her desperation.
Chapter 57
Vardaman
Vardaman and Dewey Dell walk through the town at night. Vardaman's thoughts circle obsessively around his brother Darl, who has been sent to Jackson on the train after going crazy. Dewey Dell goes into a store to speak with a man, leaving Vardaman outside. When she comes out, she is upset and says something 'won't work.' Vardaman tries to understand what has happened, but his mind keeps returning to Darl and the train.
Chapter 58
Darl
Darl Bundren is being taken by train to an asylum in Jackson, laughing uncontrollably. The narrative reflects on his journey, his family's departure from Jefferson, and the strange, incestuous nature of state money. Darl's laughter is a haunting refrain, questioning the reasons behind his madness.
Chapter 59
Dewey Dell
Dewey Dell confronts her father Anse over ten dollars she earned from selling cakes to Cora Tull. Anse accuses her of lying and being ungrateful, ultimately taking the money despite her protests that it is not hers to give.
Chapter 60
Cash
After the burial, the Bundrens prepare to leave Jefferson. Cash reflects on his broken leg and the family's return home. Anse, having gotten new teeth and a new wife, introduces Mrs. Bundren to his children, who are shocked to see her carrying a graphophone. Cash muses on the value of music and the fate of Darl.
