The Role of a Mother in As I Lay Dying Written by William...

Many mothers, regardless of age or situation, share sympathetic life ideals. They all share the common goal of raising their children wholesome; they want to create an environment of love, nurture, and support for their children as well. A mother’s effort to implant good values in her children is perpetual; they remain optimistic and hope that their children would eventually become prosperous. However, some women were not fit to be mothers. Thus, two different roles of a mother are portrayed in As I Lay Dying written by William Faulkner. Faulkner uses the literary technique of first person narrative with alternating perspectives. By doing so, Faulkner adds authenticity and the ability to relate (for some) to the two characters Addie†¦show more content†¦The narrators alternate, showcasing the fluctuating levels of coherence, understanding and emotional strength. The dialect differs from character to character and the language each character uses, varies on level of in tensity and subjectivity. Each character’s speech varies from being confessional to teetering on the line of awareness and consciousness. The characters each have their own view on life and on the way Addie Bundren lived her life: through these alternate character’s eyes, we can piece together the bits and pieces of Addie’s life, death and the haulage of her decaying body to Jefferson. The narrative seems to be fragmented however, it also exhibits a type of unity. The story takes place over the course of a few days yet the differing â€Å"sub-plots are logically and skillfully interwoven† (Ross 309). Faulkner forces the reader to see the narrative from multiple perspectives. One main factor that emphasizes the distinction between Cora and Addie is motherhood. Cora expresses her view on motherhood because she believes â€Å"A woman’s place is with her husband and children, alive or stagnant† (57). She believes that it is a woman’s responsibility to be a suitable wife, foster their husband’s children, and be upright and outstanding mothers to their children. It is Cora’s job to take care of her daughtersShow MoreRelatedAs I Lay Dying And The Crucible Essay834 Words   |  4 PagesIn As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner and The Crucible by Arthur Miller, women are perceived in ways that fit the time period they are written in. The Crucible deals with women being accused of witchcraft and regarded as witches. In As I Lay Dying the few women in the story, are not highly regarded or of high status. Both authors depict women in different ways, but with similar attitude towards women. 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