Paradox and the Human Psyche in William Faulkner's 'As I Lay Dying‪'‬

To explore the themes of the novel and suggest interpretations of the characters' attitudes towards life shall be the topic of this essay, especially with respect to the formal structure and narrative technique applied. This will include a discussion on how Faulkner has created a picture of the human psyche and how this seems to be dominated by controversial thoughts, and how he portrays the struggle of human life as closely connected with the paradox of being in an uncertain state of existence: in between 'a dying life and an active death.' Finally, it shall be explained why the novel is, after all, still a comedy - and a difficult though worthy read.