As+I+Lay+Dying

Dubious Heroism: //As I Lay Dying//
What is a heroic action? Is it an act of will characterized by selflessness? Must it necessarily be characterized by sacrifice?

Is there a hero in this novel? More to the point: can any action or behavior in the novel be considered—by any definition—//heroic//?

Consider acts of will that serve the will of others (one example would be Anse’s insistence on honoring Addie’s wish to be buried in Jefferson); consider acts that involve sacrifice. Consider the BIG moments in the novel.

What conclusions about human nature are we meant to draw from the Bundrens? Or, is Faulkner inconclusive in that regard?

Develop your ideas independently, then discuss with your group. Assign a recorder to type your responses into a Google doc.