What Is Cash Building In As I Lay Dying

Cash Building in Faulkner's As I Lay Dying: A Detailed Exploration

William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying is a complex and challenging novel, renowned for its fragmented narrative structure and its unflinching portrayal of human suffering. While the novel centers on the Bundren family's arduous journey to bury Addie Bundren, a closer look reveals a subtle yet powerful theme interwoven throughout: cash building. This isn't simply about accumulating money; it's about the Bundrens' desperate attempts to create a sense of value, purpose, and legacy in the face of poverty, grief, and the constant threat of disintegration. This essay will delve into the multifaceted nature of cash building within the novel, exploring its connection to the family's individual motivations, their strained relationships, and the overall thematic concerns of the work.

The Tangible and Intangible Value of Cash

The most immediate manifestation of cash building in As I Lay Dying is the literal accumulation of money. The Bundrens' journey is fuelled by a desire to provide Addie with a proper burial, a goal that requires financial resources. This seemingly simple objective reveals a deeper layer of meaning. The money isn't just about the practicalities of the funeral itself; it represents the family's attempt to solidify Addie's memory and maintain a semblance of order in their chaotic lives. The physical act of earning and saving money, however meager, becomes a form of resistance against the overwhelming forces of poverty and despair.

Darl's Perspective on Cash Building

Darl Bundren, the most perceptive and arguably the most tragic character, provides a nuanced insight into the family's pursuit of cash. His observations highlight the irony and futility of their efforts. While he participates in the arduous tasks of the journey, his internal monologue reveals his awareness of the inherent contradictions within the family's drive. He sees the value placed on money, even in the face of their immense hardship, as a desperate attempt to find meaning in a meaningless existence. His insightful commentary helps the reader understand the emotional weight and psychological implications of their cash-building endeavors. He understands it's not about the final amount, but the process itself as a means of coping.

Cash Building as a Form of Self-Worth

For characters like Anse Bundren, the patriarch, cash building transcends its material significance. It becomes inextricably linked to his sense of self-worth and masculinity. His relentless pursuit of money, often at the expense of his family's well-being, represents a desire to assert his control and authority. The acquisition of cash serves as a validation of his role as the head of the family, even though his actions often undermine this very role. His actions portray the problematic nature of associating self-worth with material wealth, especially in a context of extreme hardship.

Jewel's Silent Contribution

Jewel, Addie's illegitimate son, contributes silently but significantly to the family's cash building efforts. His hard work and dedication to earning money are rarely acknowledged but are crucial to their survival and the undertaking of the journey. Jewel's actions stand in stark contrast to Anse's manipulative tactics; his efforts reflect a genuine sense of responsibility and love for his mother, even in his unspoken grief. He, unlike many others, builds through action instead of words.

Dewey Dell's Desperate Measures

Dewey Dell, desperately seeking an abortion, also engages in a twisted form of cash building. Her desperate attempts to secure money reflect a need for control over her own body and destiny in a patriarchal society that offers her few options. Her actions highlight the limitations placed upon women in this context and the desperate measures they might undertake to exercise some level of autonomy. Her quest for cash, though driven by a desperate situation, shares the same underlying motivation as the rest of the family - a desperate need to exert some control.

The Journey as a Metaphor for Cash Building

The Bundrens' arduous journey to Jefferson becomes a powerful metaphor for the larger process of cash building. Each obstacle they encounter—the flooded river, the collapsing bridge, the relentless heat—represents the challenges and setbacks inherent in the pursuit of financial stability. The journey itself is a testament to their perseverance and their unwavering commitment, even if their methods are questionable and their motivations complex. The journey itself becomes an embodiment of the hardship and resilience involved in cash building.

The Symbolic Weight of the Coffin

The coffin carrying Addie's body is another significant symbol in understanding the family's preoccupation with cash. More than just a container for a deceased loved one, the coffin becomes a physical manifestation of their efforts. Its weight, both literally and figuratively, represents the burden of their struggles and the emotional toll of their journey. The coffin's presence serves as a constant reminder of their initial motivation and the ultimate goal of their cash building.

The Inevitability of Loss

Despite their efforts, the Bundrens ultimately experience a sense of loss, both material and emotional. The money they acquire is often squandered or lost along the way, reflecting the precariousness of their situation and the futility of their attempts to control their circumstances. This underscores the profound limitations of cash building as a solution to their deeper problems.

Cash Building and the Larger Thematic Concerns

The theme of cash building in As I Lay Dying is intricately linked to broader thematic concerns within the novel. It illuminates the complexities of family relationships, the struggle for survival in a harsh environment, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The relentless pursuit of cash becomes a lens through which we can examine the characters' motivations, their internal conflicts, and the tragic consequences of their choices.

The Fragmented Narrative and Cash Building

Faulkner's fragmented narrative structure reflects the disjointed nature of the Bundrens' lives and their struggle for coherence. The multiple perspectives offered by each family member highlight the subjective nature of reality and the impossibility of reaching a unified understanding of their experiences. The fragmentation mirrors the chaotic nature of cash building and the inconsistencies in their motivations.

The Search for Meaning and Legacy

The Bundrens' relentless pursuit of cash can be interpreted as a desperate attempt to create meaning and leave a legacy. Despite their suffering and the apparent futility of their efforts, they cling to the belief that their actions have value and purpose. This desperate striving for significance is central to understanding the human condition within the context of the novel.

Individual vs Collective Goals

The interplay between individual and collective goals in the pursuit of cash further complicates the theme. Each Bundren member has their own personal motivations, often conflicting with the broader family aims. This divergence underscores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of collective action in the face of hardship. The journey highlights the inherent tension between individual needs and shared goals within the context of cash building.

Conclusion: Cash Building as a Mirror of Human Endeavor

In conclusion, the theme of cash building in As I Lay Dying goes far beyond the simple accumulation of money. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the Bundrens' struggle for survival, their search for meaning, and their attempts to forge a sense of identity within a chaotic and unforgiving world. The novel's exploration of this theme provides a poignant reflection on the human condition, the limitations of material pursuits, and the enduring power of familial bonds. The relentless effort to build cash becomes a microcosm of the human condition - a testament to the enduring struggle for stability and self-worth in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through exploring this theme, Faulkner masterfully illuminates the complex dynamics of human relationships and the enduring search for meaning in a world often devoid of it.