As I Lay Dying Mortality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: 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!