The Effects of Parenting on Children: The Bundrens

Because a fellow can see ever now and then that children have more sense than him. (125)

In Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, the Bundren children are dwindling in poverty, selfishness, and animosity. However, in each child’s narration of the story, there can be found deep insight into human nature, which contains more prudence and virtue than that of their parents. Yet, they are at the mercy of their father, Anse, whose lazy nature causes them to work harder than necessary, and whose stubbornness brings about injury, pain, and mental instability. They are also at the mercy of their mother, Addie, whose dying wish to be buried in the town of her people instigates their terrible and tragic journey from one town to the next.

What is the effect of these parents’ selfishness and manipulation on their children? Do the actions of Anse and Addie Bundren cause problems such as anger, passivity, despondence, and mental illness in their children?

I plan on contacting people who have reviewed As I Lay Dying on Goodreads, as well as contacting people who have blogged about this book, and topics about the affects of specific types of parenting.