Styx and Stones May Break My Bones...
John Lisi and Jenna Rahrle
In As I Lay Dying, there are many allusions and relatively ambiguous references connecting the story of the Bundrens to Greek Mythology, including the theory of Addie representing Medusa, and the river representing the River of Styx.
The idea of Addie Bundren seen as Medusa originates in the combination of her as a symbol of life and death. "And now he has three children that are his and not mine. And then I could get ready to die" (Faulkner 176). While Addie was alive, she felt like she had died; however, when she died, she was more alive. In an article written on www.faulknerjapan.com, about the artist that created Medusa, the author says that "...As a male artist, he aims to control Medusa with his language" (Tanaka). In this regard, we can see Medusa as Addie in the way she presents her view of language, and how the character of Medusa is manipulated through language.
In addition to the connection of Medusa and Addie Bundren, we can also see the relationship between the river the Bundrens crossed and the River of Styx. The River Styx provided those who crossed with the dangerous task of crossing poisonous waters on a bridge, just as it was dangerous for the Bundrens to cross the river on the bridge. In mythology, Charon was the guide to aid those who wished to cross the river. The Bundrens did not have the luxury of having a guide, and perhaps that was the reason for their downfall.
John Lisi and Jenna Rahrle
In As I Lay Dying, there are many allusions and relatively ambiguous references connecting the story of the Bundrens to Greek Mythology, including the theory of Addie representing Medusa, and the river representing the River of Styx.
The idea of Addie Bundren seen as Medusa originates in the combination of her as a symbol of life and death. "And now he has three children that are his and not mine. And then I could get ready to die" (Faulkner 176). While Addie was alive, she felt like she had died; however, when she died, she was more alive. In an article written on www.faulknerjapan.com, about the artist that created Medusa, the author says that "...As a male artist, he aims to control Medusa with his language" (Tanaka). In this regard, we can see Medusa as Addie in the way she presents her view of language, and how the character of Medusa is manipulated through language.
In addition to the connection of Medusa and Addie Bundren, we can also see the relationship between the river the Bundrens crossed and the River of Styx. The River Styx provided those who crossed with the dangerous task of crossing poisonous waters on a bridge, just as it was dangerous for the Bundrens to cross the river on the bridge. In mythology, Charon was the guide to aid those who wished to cross the river. The Bundrens did not have the luxury of having a guide, and perhaps that was the reason for their downfall.