Abstract:As I Lay Dying was created in The Great Depression. The author told us a story that Anse, a southern American farmer, who wanted to achieve his wife’s last wish, leading the whole family to send the corpse to Jefferson. At the same time, William Faulkner added many factors of realism and surrealism to this family. After reading the novel, we can find that William Faulkner combined symbolism with realism skillfully. He revealed the social problems of the United States vividly by using symbolism, realizing the integration among beauty, spirit and the work. By studying the symbolism in William Faulkner's work, readers can not only understand the thoughts and emotions that the work wants to express, but also can understand Faulkner's consideration for human beings and life.

Key words: William Faulkner; As I Lay Dying; symbolism

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I. Symbolism in Settings-3

A.-Yoknapatawpha: Backwardness-3

B.-Jefferson: Modernization-4

II. Symbolism in Characters-5

A.-Symbolic Meaning of Anse-5

B.-Symbolic Meaning of Jewel-6

C.-Symbolic Meaning of Darl-7

III. Two Different Symbols of Addie-9

A.-Symbolic Meaning of Fish-9

B.-Symbolic Meaning of Horse-10

Conclusion-12

Bibliography-14

Acknowledgements-15