An Ecofeminist Interpretation of As I Lay Dying

Abstract

As I Lay Dying, published in 1930, one of William Faulkner’s best works, depicts Addie Bundren’s burial journey to Jefferson. Faulkner told a thought-provoking story of how Bundren suffered and endured trials of flood and fire. Critics have commented extensively on this novel, especially regarding its multiple points of view and stream of consciousness. Ecofeminism combines ecology and feminist literary criticism that originated in the 1970s, emphasizes biocentrism and biodiversity, and rejects the oppression of both women and nature. As I Lay Dying is rich in descriptions of patriarchy, nature, and women, so I adopt an ecofeminist approach to interpret the novel from these perspectives and explore the ecofeminist thought and consciousness embodied in the novel.