Historical Context

Faulkner: As I Lay Dying

In this course, Prof. Susan (Scotti) Parish (University of Michigan) explores Faulkner’s novel As I Lay Dying (1930). In the first module, we introduce the historical context around the novel and the year 1929. In the second module, we look at the background of visual aesthetics. In the third module, we take a closer look at the Bundren family. In the fourth module, we examine the narrative’s structure. In the fifth module, we look at the significance of the Great Mississippi Flood (1927). In the sixth module, we closely examine Addie’s chapter, and in the seventh and final module we look at the historical and narrative significance of Darl’s final chapter.

Historical Context

In this module, we introduce the historical context to Faulkner’s novel, focusing in particular on (i) the year 1929 (ii) impact of WWI (iii) The Great Mississippi Flood 1927 (iv) modern visual aesthetic’s (v) the significance of Darl’s perspective.