As I Lay Dying ( Heroism with Conflicts)

Heroism with Conflicts The novel As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner is filled with moments of great heroism and with struggles that are almost epic, but the novel’s take on such battles is ironic at best, and at times it even makes them seem downright absurd or mundane. The Bundren family is on a mission to bury Addie. In the midst they defeat water and fire on the way to Jefferson where Addie is to be buried. Their take on these engagements seem heroic, but they come to the point where the family’s’/ family member(s) actions are more foolish than anything. The Bundrens’ making their way back to find a new way of crossing the flooded river at first seems noble but becomes over dramatic. For example, the log comes rushing at them and Cash makes a dash for the coffin and tools while reinjuring his leg. This seems heroic of Cash sacrificing his leg and life for his mother especially since Darl jumped out of the sinking wagon like a coward. But Cash’s action seem exaggerated because he leaves the team of mules and jumps to save his precious tools and the coffin; almost feeling as if the tools come before the coffin. In addition, Darl says his jumping from the wagon to save his life is also saving the future of the family. This action is not heroic at all it seems selfish and disrespectful towards his dead mother. However it is almost heroic because Darl knew that his mother was already dead and that it was just her body in their possession now, and that he was trying to protecting the family’s future. Furthermore, Jewel breaks the ice by submerging his horse and himself into the dangerous river. Jewel is the most heroic; he sacrifices himself and his most beloved thing that he owns to make sure his mothers coffin crosses safely. He also seems as like he is the main commander of the entire operation. Therefore, the brothers attempt to keep themselves together while crossing the treacherous water, during that time they begin to panic and forget what their