Poverty and Behavior: Insights from the Bundren Family

Society often dictates what constitutes appropriate behavior or responses to various scenarios and life events.

Introduction

For instance, shaking hands is deemed a suitable greeting when meeting someone new, and adding "please" or "thank you" when making a request is considered polite. In William Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying, the Bundren family members exhibit their grief over their mother's death in ways that defy contemporary societal norms. This essay delves into how the characters' seemingly inappropriate actions are deeply rooted in their impoverished upbringing, which has profoundly impacted their psychological and emotional well-being.

Socio-Economic Factors

The Bundren family, depicted as extremely poor, resides in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, during the 1920s. Their lack of financial resources forces them to act in ways often perceived as insensitive, particularly in the context of their mother Addie's passing. For example, Addie's sons, Darl and Jewel, leave her deathbed to seize an opportunity for employment, underscoring the family's dire economic circumstances. Faulkner writes, “We’ll need that three dollars then, sure” (Faulkner 17), emphasizing the desperation driving their actions. The Bundrens’ singular focus on financial survival demonstrates their belief that neglecting even a single job opportunity could jeopardize the entire family's existence.

Another poignant scene highlights Anse Bundren's decision to delay calling a doctor for his ailing wife, reflecting the family's extreme poverty. Peabody, the doctor, questions Anse about his priorities, stating, “Damn the money. Did you ever hear of me worrying a fellow before he was ready to pay?” (Faulkner 44). Anse's reluctance to summon medical help earlier stems not from callousness but from an inability to afford such a service. The Bundrens’ circumstances illustrate how financial hardship can warp one's priorities, making life-or-death decisions hinge on monetary considerations.

Psychological Impact of Poverty

Research by Paul R. Amato and Jiping Zuo from the University of Nebraska sheds light on the psychological toll poverty can exact, offering insights into the Bundrens’ mental state. Their study indicates that poverty correlates with stressful life events, such as illness and unemployment, mirrored in the novel. Poverty diminishes self-esteem and erodes individuals’ perceived control over their lives. The Bundren children, for instance, often act under their father's orders, demonstrating an absence of autonomy and a relinquished sense of control.

Furthermore, the Bundrens’ identity is closely tied to their meager possessions, which serve as symbols of their self-worth. When these possessions are lost, so too is their sense of identity. Amato and Zuo also highlight that poverty diminishes familial support and satisfaction, a dynamic evident in the Bundrens' disconnected relationships and disparate reactions to Addie's death. Despite being family, the siblings share little beyond blood ties, each coping with loss in isolation.

Rural versus Urban Poverty

The novel also underscores the distinction between rural and urban poverty, as outlined in Amato and Zuo's research. Rural poverty, as experienced by the Bundrens, often results in lower health levels, decreased happiness, and higher depression rates compared to urban poverty. Through Vardaman's reflections on his country upbringing versus the perceived advantages of town life, Faulkner articulates the psychological burdens of rural poverty. Vardaman's longing for urban existence illustrates the deprivation and limitations inherent in rural life.

In one poignant scene, Vardaman ponders, “Why ain’t I a town boy, pa?” (Faulkner 66), expressing his envy of the seemingly better life urban children lead. This sentiment captures the broader psychological impact of being trapped in a rural world where opportunities are scarce, and basic necessities like flour and sugar are prohibitively expensive. Such reflections emphasize the feelings of inadequacy and longing that stem from rural poverty.

Possessions and Identity

For the Bundrens, possessions represent their identity and hope amidst a harsh existence. Cash, for instance, is defined by his carpentry tools, which symbolize his expertise and self-worth. The river crossing scene, where Cash loses his tools, highlights the devastating impact of losing one's identity. Similarly, Jewel's attachment to his horse and Dewey Dell's fixation on her unwanted pregnancy illustrate how possessions shape the Bundrens' identities and coping mechanisms.

Jewel's horse is his sole source of solace after Addie's death, underscoring the profound loss he feels when it is taken away. Meanwhile, Dewey Dell's pregnancy becomes her defining possession, yet one she is desperate to rid herself of. Her desire for an abortion reflects her unwillingness to subject another life to their impoverished existence, highlighting the despair and hopelessness that accompany poverty.

Conclusion

Through various events in As I Lay Dying, the psychological, emotional, and physical toll of extreme poverty on the Bundren family becomes evident. Their daily lives are so overwhelmingly challenging that any escape from their hardships seems like a blessing. Darl's laughter upon being committed to a psychiatric institution suggests that he perceives it as an escape from their relentless struggle for survival. Faulkner's portrayal of the Bundrens challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of sanity and normalcy through the lens of societal and economic context.

Ultimately, the Bundrens' actions, often labeled as inappropriate or insane by modern standards, are a testament to the profound impact of poverty. The novel invites readers to empathize with characters whose lives are shaped by circumstances beyond their control and to recognize the resilience required to endure such adversity.

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