Objectives

• Analyse how Faulkner constructs competing narrative voices across Chapters 1–9 to present the Bundren family's dysfunction and Addie's death.
• Explain how syntactic fragmentation and stream-of-consciousness in Darl's and Vardaman's chapters (Chapters 12, 14, 19, 22, 23) create narrative unreliability.
• Evaluate how Addie's posthumous monologue (Chapter 21) reframes the novel's themes of language, identity, and sacrifice.
• Trace how Faulkner uses the river-crossing sequence (Chapters 11, 16, 19, 22) and the barn-fire chapter (Chapter 24) to dramatise the conflict between duty and self-destruction.
• Write a sustained, evidenced analytical essay that argues a clear interpretive claim about identity, sacrifice, or the failure of language in As I Lay Dying, selecting and embedding quotations from at least three different narrators.

The sequence

1. Lesson 1: Fifteen Voices, One Dying Woman: Faulkner's Multi-Narrator Structure

   55 min · ch. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

   Do now

   If fifteen different characters narrate parts of the same story, it could lead to confusion for the reader as they grapple with varying perspectives and potential inconsistencies in tone and style. Additionally, the shifts in narrative voice might dilute the overall cohesion of the plot, making it difficult for the audience to connect with any single character's journey.

   Upon reading the opening paragraph of Chapter 1 (Darl I), I notice that the narrative voice is intimate and direct, drawing the reader immediately into the experience of the characters.

   Teacher input

   Model a close reading of the opening of Chapter 2 (Cora), with emphasis on the moment Cora shifts from her unsold cakes to Addie's dying: 'I saved out the eggs and baking powder.' Illustrate how Faulkner employs Cora's self-justification in domestic matters to postpone and divert attention from Addie's death. Show students how to annotate for free indirect discourse—where the narrator's and character's voices intertwine—and how this technique prompts the question of whose perspective on events is reliable.

   Independent task

   Read Chapter 3 (Jewel) — the single nineteen-line paragraph in which Jewel imagines being alone with Addie on a high hill, throwing rocks at the observing crowd. Write one PEEL paragraph (150–200 words) arguing what this fantasy reveals about Jewel's relationship with Addie, using at least two embedded quotations from Chapter 3 and one from Chapter 1 or 2 to highlight the contrast with how other narrators view Addie. The paragraph should begin with a clear assertion about who Jewel is, rather than a plot summary.

   Exit ticket

   In one sentence, name the narrative technique Faulkner uses in Chapter 2 that you annotated today, and explain in a second sentence why it makes Cora an unreliable narrator of Addie's death.

2. Lesson 2: Syntax as Psychology: Darl's Detachment and Vardaman's Grief

   55 min · ch. 12, 14, 23

   Do now

   Rewritten Text: Read Vardaman's first monologue in Chapter 14 — particularly the lines "My mother is a fish" and the fragmented sentences around them. Note three observations about the sentence structure, then write one sentence speculating on the psychological purpose of the fragmentation for a child who has just witnessed his mother's death.

   Summary of Changes Made:

   • Changed "specifically" to "particularly" for a more natural flow.
   • Changed "List three things you notice" to "Note three observations" to reduce repetitive language and enhance readability.
   • Changed "guessing what psychological purpose" to "speculating on the psychological purpose" for clarity and conciseness.

   Teacher input

   Model a syntactic analysis of Darl's narration in Chapter 12, concentrating on the lengthy sentence filled with subordinate clauses that starts with 'In the lamplight her eyes look like cats' eyes do in the dark.' Guide students on how to annotate for clause length, the employment of simile during Addie's death, and how Darl's detached perspective — portraying his dying mother as if he were filming her — reveals a form of dissociation. Show how to craft a topic sentence that identifies the technique, its effect, and the thematic implication all at once.

   Independent task

   Compare the way Darl narrates Addie's death in Chapter 12 with Vardaman's response in Chapter 14. Write two connected PEEL paragraphs (200–250 words total) arguing that Faulkner employs syntactic contrast between these chapters to illustrate how grief fractures identity differently for each mourner. Each paragraph must include at least two quotations, and the second paragraph should start with a connective that indicates comparison or development, rather than mere repetition.

   Exit ticket

   Write one sentence identifying the specific syntactic feature in Darl's Chapter 12 narration that most clearly signals his emotional detachment, and explain in a second sentence how that feature differs from Vardaman's syntax in Chapter 14.

3. Lesson 3: The Dead Speak: Addie's Monologue and the Failure of Language

   55 min · ch. 17, 21, 2, 12

   Do now

   Before reading Chapter 21, check out Whitfield's short monologue in Chapter 17 — especially the part where he chooses not to confess to Anse since Addie has already passed away: 'It was not necessary to tell him.' In just two sentences, discuss how Whitfield's sense of relief highlights the disconnect between what characters say and what they actually do throughout this novel.

   Teacher input

   Humanized Version:

   Model a reading of the opening of Addie's monologue in Chapter 21, particularly her line: 'I learned that words are no good; that words don’t ever fit even what they are trying to say at.' Build an argument around this statement by linking it to Faulkner's choice to present Addie's only speech after her death. Highlight the paradox that the character who is most skeptical of language ends up delivering the novel’s most philosophically rich monologue. Frame this as an argument about how form can embody meaning.

   Changes Made:

   • Replaced "focusing on her statement" with "particularly her line" for a more conversational tone.
   • Changed "Demonstrate how to" to "Build an argument around this statement by linking it to" for clarity and flow.
   • Simplified "show how to annotate for the paradox" to "Highlight the paradox" for a more direct expression.
   • Adjusted the phrasing for a smoother read while preserving the original meaning and structure.

   Independent task

   Using Chapter 21 as your primary source, write three connected analytical paragraphs (300–350 words) arguing that Addie's monologue represents Faulkner's clearest critique of language's failure as a tool for genuine human connection. In your first paragraph, delve into Addie's memories of her time as a schoolteacher, particularly focusing on her use of the term 'love.' In the second paragraph, examine her relationship with Anse, highlighting the line, 'He had a word, too. Love, he called it.' Finally, in your third paragraph, link Addie's philosophy to at least one other narrator—Darl, Cora, or Whitfield—by including a quote from that narrator's chapter to illustrate how the novel's structure reinforces Addie's argument.

   Exit ticket

   In two sentences, explain why Faulkner's decision to place Addie's monologue in Chapter 21 — after she has already died — is itself an argument about language and identity, rather than simply a structural trick.

4. Lesson 4: Sacrifice and Self-Destruction: The River Crossing and the Barn Fire

   55 min · ch. 11, 16, 19, 22, 24, 3

   Do now

   Read the final paragraph of Chapter 11 (Tull II), where Tull observes Jewel diving into the flooded river to rescue the mule team: 'It was Jewel that got us through.' Tull’s phrasing suggests that the Bundren family has a tendency to attribute success to individuals while often overlooking the collective effort involved, highlighting a pattern of credit and blame that can be quite selective. Jewel's readiness to risk his life may lead to significant sacrifices later in the novel, potentially straining his relationships with the family and his own well-being.

   Teacher input

   Model a reading of the climactic moment in Chapter 24 (the barn fire) where Jewel drags Addie's coffin from the burning barn: 'Jewel's hat flew back on his head and he came out of the fire.' In this moment, we can analyze the imagery of Jewel emerging from the flames—consider the biblical undertones of sacrifice that this evokes, reflecting Jewel's deep commitment to his mother. This scene also resonates with his fantasy from Chapter 3, where he envisions himself as Addie's protector, fighting against all odds. There's a striking irony here as well, given that the fire was ignited by his brother Darl, creating a tension between familial bonds and betrayal.

   To help students construct a paragraph that captures the conflicting perspectives of both Jewel and Darl, one might begin by recognizing Jewel's heroic determination to save Addie, juxtaposed against Darl's destructive actions. For instance, while Jewel embodies a fierce loyalty to family, Darl’s choices reflect a more chaotic approach to their shared struggles. This duality can be explored through careful word choice and sentence structure, allowing each character's motivations to emerge clearly in the analysis.

   Independent task

   The river-crossing sequence in Chapter 19, as narrated by Darl, highlights Jewel’s willingness to endure hardship for Addie’s sake. When he jumps into the turbulent waters, his physical actions become a powerful testament to his commitment. This moment is pivotal because it illustrates how Jewel’s identity is intertwined with his role as Addie’s son; he is not just crossing a river, but rather navigating the depths of his own existence. The sacrifice here carries a dual meaning: it is both a religious act, reminiscent of biblical figures who faced trials for a greater cause, and a psychological one, reflecting Jewel’s deep-seated need to validate his worth through tangible deeds. His sense of self is thus constructed through this act of devotion, revealing how far he is willing to go to honor Addie’s memory.

   In Chapter 24, the barn fire further cements Jewel’s sacrificial identity. As he fights the flames, risking his safety to save the family’s legacy, his actions reflect an intense emotional struggle. The fire symbolizes not only destruction but also a desperate attempt to reclaim a sense of control over his chaotic life. Here, Jewel's sacrifice takes on a more psychological tone; it underscores his internal conflict and the burden of expectations placed upon him. While the religious connotation of sacrifice suggests a noble relinquishing for a higher purpose, Jewel’s actions reveal a more personal battle — one where his identity is forged in the crucible of loss and obligation. Together, these moments construct Jewel as a figure whose essence is defined by his relentless physical actions on behalf of Addie, illustrating the profound complexity of sacrifice in both its religious and psychological dimensions.

   Exit ticket

   Write one sentence explaining what Darl's decision to burn the barn in Chapter 24 reveals about his own identity, and a second sentence explaining why Jewel's response to the fire — saving the coffin rather than confronting Darl — is itself a form of communication that Addie, in Chapter 21, would recognise as more honest than words.

5. Lesson 5: The Grotesque Conclusion: Writing a Sustained Argument on Identity, Sacrifice, or Language

   60 min · ch. 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 21, 22, 23, 25

   Do now

   Cash’s use of repetition and short, declarative clauses in the final paragraph of Chapter 25 underscores his struggle to comprehend Darl's fate. It suggests a mix of grief and self-justification, as Cash grapples with the reality that Darl has been separated from everything familiar, while simultaneously trying to come to terms with his own feelings about the situation.

   Teacher input

   Model the construction of an essay introduction by combining insights from Chapter 25 and Chapter 21, particularly examining how Anse introduces the new Mrs. Bundren at the end of the novel. Begin with a clear interpretive claim, such as: Faulkner uses the novel's final image to illustrate that identity within the Bundren family is consistently overshadowed by Anse's self-interest. Incorporate the quotation "Meet Mrs. Bundren" to highlight that, despite their journey, nothing has changed for Anse, while it has caused destruction for those around him. Emphasize to students that a strong introduction succinctly identifies the technique, its effect, and the overarching thematic argument in three sentences or fewer.

   Independent task

   Certainly! Here's a humanized version of your request:

   ---

   Compose a detailed analytical essay of 500–600 words that responds to the question: 'In As I Lay Dying, Faulkner portrays identity as something shaped by others rather than by the individual.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Make sure to reference at least three narrators. Your essay should: begin with a clear assertion that takes a stance on the question; include a paragraph discussing Addie's monologue in Chapter 21, particularly her assertion that 'I was more than alive then, I was living'; include a paragraph analyzing Darl's narration in Chapters 1, 12, or 22 and his sense of losing himself by Chapter 25; include a paragraph on a third narrator of your choice—choose from Jewel (Chapter 3), Vardaman (Chapter 14 or 23), Dewey Dell (Chapter 5 or 10), or Cash (Chapter 8 or 25)—and incorporate at least one quote from that narrator's chapter; and wrap up with a concluding sentence that modifies your initial claim based on the evidence you've presented.

   ---

   In this revised version, I've made the language more conversational while keeping the original meaning and structure intact.

   Exit ticket

   Write two full sentences: the first must state the single strongest piece of textual evidence you used in your essay today and explain in precise terms why it supports your argument about identity; the second must name one narrator you did not write about and explain what that narrator's chapter would have added to or complicated your argument.

Activities

Assessment

• Lesson 1 exit ticket checks whether students can name free indirect discourse and explain why it makes Cora an unreliable narrator of Addie's death in Chapter 2.
• Lesson 2 PEEL paragraphs are checked for whether students can identify a specific syntactic feature in Darl's Chapter 12 narration and contrast it with Vardaman's Chapter 14 syntax rather than simply summarising plot.
• Lesson 3 exit ticket checks whether students understand that Addie's posthumous placement in Chapter 21 is a structural argument about language, not merely a narrative device.
• Lesson 4 paragraphs are checked for whether students can hold two characters — Darl and Jewel — in tension in a single argument about sacrifice, rather than writing about each in isolation.
• Lesson 5 essay introductions are scanned before independent writing begins to check that each student has a falsifiable claim about identity, not a description of the novel's content.

Standards covered

Common Core 11 12

• RL.11-12.1 — Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
• RL.11-12.3 — Analyse the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama, including where a story is set, how the action is ordered, and how the characters are introduced and developed.
• RL.11-12.5 — Analyse how an author's choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.
• RL.11-12.6 — Analyse a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant.

AP Literature

• Literary Argumentation (LAN-1) — Develop a thesis that makes a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and establish a line of reasoning to defend it.
• Textual Evidence (LAN-1.C) — Identify and describe what specific textual details, including dialogue, reveal about a character, setting, or aspect of a literary work.
• Narration (NAR-1) — Explain the function of point of view in a narrative, including how multiple narrators create unreliability and competing interpretations.
• Structure (STR-1) — Explain how the sequence and placement of a character's monologue — including Addie's posthumous Chapter 21 — contribute to the overall meaning of the work.

AQA

• AO1 — Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression.
• AO2 — Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts, including Faulkner's use of free indirect discourse, syntactic fragmentation, and multi-narrator structure.
• AO3 — Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received, including American modernism, Southern Gothic, and the Great Depression.
• AO5 — Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations, including critical readings of narrative unreliability in As I Lay Dying.

Edexcel

• AO1 — Articulate informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology and coherent, accurate written expression.
• AO2 — Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts, with specific reference to Faulkner's structural and stylistic choices across the novel's fifteen narrators.
• AO3 — Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are written and received, including Faulkner's composition process and the novel's place in American modernism.
• AO4 — Explore connections across literary texts, including connections between As I Lay Dying and the modernist stream-of-consciousness tradition of Joyce and Woolf.