In the end of the novel, in plain language, one may say Darl has lost his mind. While Darl was on the train, he narrated, "Darl had a little spy-glass he got in France at the war" (Faulkner 254). This key details highlights how Darl was a possible veteran from World War I. In class, we collaborated and developed the theory that Darl could possible have PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) from the war. We believe Faulker includes this to present the issue of whether madness is more justified when there is reason for it rather than being born insane. "PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later. They also may come and go over many years. Symptoms of PTSD are Bad memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and horror you did when the event took place. You may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback" (WebMD). Darl has many flashbacks to events throughout the book. Darl never talks about the war and he avoids intimate relationships throughout the book. "You may not have positive or loving feelings toward other people and may stay away from relationships. You may not be interested in activities that you enjoyed in the past. You may forget about parts of the traumatic event or not be able to talk about them. You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event" (WebMD). Another symptom of PTSD is a trigger. In Darl's case, it can be understood that the death of his beloved mother, Addie, triggered his psychological breakdown and is the main cause for her post war depression to reveal itself.
WORKS CITED:
(Book): Faulkner, William. As I Lay Dying. Athens: Kedros, 1930. Print.
(WebMD): "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms." Web MD (2013): 1-2. 09 Jan. 2013. Web. 08 Dec. 2014. <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder--symptoms>.
(picture) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I
WORKS CITED:
(Book): Faulkner, William. As I Lay Dying. Athens: Kedros, 1930. Print.
(WebMD): "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms." Web MD (2013): 1-2. 09 Jan. 2013. Web. 08 Dec. 2014. <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder--symptoms>.
(picture) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I