As I Lay Dying Mortality Quotes Page 2
Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph) Every "section" is marked by a shift in narrative point of view.
| Quote #4 I heard that my mother is dead. I wish I had time to let her die. I wish I had time to wish I had. It is because in the wild and outraged earth too soon too soon too soon. It’s not that I wouldn’t and will not it’s that it is too soon too soon too soon. (30.2) |
Dewey Dell realizes that she will soon be a mother herself. In this sense, her own mother died "too soon" – before Dewey Dell could properly take her place.
| Quote #5 I could remember how my father used to say that the reason for living was to get ready to stay dead for a long time. (40.2) |
We get more than one hint that Addie is actually the best off of all the Bundren family members. Life isn’t exactly fun, so death is actually the greatest deal around.
| Quote #6 We see his shoulders strain as he up-ends the coffin and slides it single-handed from the saw-horses. It looms unbelievably tall, hiding him: I would not have believed that Addie Bundren would have needed that much room to lie comfortable in; for another instant it stands upright while the sparks rain on it in scattering bursts as though they engendered other sparks from the contact. […] This time Jewel is riding upon it, clinging to it. (50.16) |
Look at the specific language used in this passage. The coffin almost becomes a being in itself, something alive… something Jewel can ride…like a horse. Hmmm!
