Freudianism And As I Lay Dying: An Influence Exploration

William Faulkner, the winner of 1949 Nobel Prize for literature, is one of the most influential writers in the 20th century. As I Lay Dying, written in 1929 and published in 1930, is a work of Faulkner's time of genius. Although there are various analysis and discussions on it from different aspects, whether the creation of As I Lay Dying was influenced by Freudianism needs further exploration.The thesis discusses the Freudian theories and the influence on literature, creative background of As I Lay Dying, the themes and techniques of the novel, in order to investigate the relationship between the creation of As I Lay Dying and Freudian influence.There are five chapters in this thesis. Chapter One gives a brief introduction of Faulkner's career, the summary of As I Lay Dying, the literary review of the studies of the novel and presents the thesis. Chapter Two discusses the basic Freudian theories and the influences on literary themes and techniques. As for the themes, it is mainly expressed as the fancy of Oedipus complex and the themes of love and death; the techniques, the application of symbolism and stream of consciousness. Chapter Three, according to the studies on the background of 1920s to 1930s and the personal experience of Faulkner, indicates two possible ways that Faulkner may contact with Freudianism: the American storm of Freudianism from 1920s to 1930s; the indirect Freudian influence gained from his teacher and friend, Sherwood Anderson,"the American Freudian". Chapter Four focuses on the themes and techniques of the very novel and investigate the correlations between Faulkner and Freudianism. Thematically, As I Lay Dying depicts Bundren brothers'desire of occupy the mother and the variations of their Oedipus complex, Addie's thirst for love and lust; the death of individuals, morality and conventions. Technically, symbolism is used to imply the relationship and desire; stream of consciousness expresses the desire hiding in the unconsciousness. Chapter Five draws a conclusion that the Freudian influence on creation of As I Lay Dying can be found in both the background and the themes and techniques of the novel. Further research is greatly demanded for the abundance and complexity of the novel.