William Faulkner's portrayal of women, particularly Addie Bundren, in As I Lay Dying presents an interesting look at Southern gender politics in the 1930s. Addie is at the center of the novel; however, despite being the heart, his presence throughout much of the story is that of a corpse. Faulkner gives her only one chapter to explain herself; and it is her desire to be buried in Jefferson that sets in motion everything that happens in the novel. There is a deep tension at work between words and Truth in her chapter: Addie places no value on words, they are nothing but dead sounds. And although she claims that the words are “quick and harmless,” she is deceived by them and relies on them to get revenge on Anse. Even though the word “sin” means nothing to Addie, she is still consumed by the idea of ​​sin. The fundamental problem for the reader is how to decipher a chapter of words when Addie says they are empty shapes. Addie's nihilistic approach to language reveals her attempt to escape subjugation as a woman: as a "woman," Addie cannot help but fall into the traps of "wife" and "mother" and their associated duties. The arrangement of Addie's chapters complicates the novel, as it is placed after her death; Faulkner does not clarify whether he is presenting his voice from beyond the grave or whether this is supposed to have happened in the past. From the beginning of the chapter, Addie shows a darkness in her heart that the reader has never seen before. Hates children (169). She hates her father for bringing her into the world; and telling her that “the reason to live [is] to prepare to stay dead a long time” (169). He does not seem to take any pleasure in living, except when it punishes his st...... middle of paper ...... idelity; she “simply took the precautions he deemed necessary for her own good, not for [her] safety, but just as [she] wore clothes in the face of the world” (175). She continues her rebellion in how she treats Jewel: instead of treating Jewel worse because she is constantly reminded of her sin, he is her favorite child, believing he will save her from water and fire (168), which Jewel does. in turn; he rescues his body from the river and single-handedly carries his body from Gillespie's burning barn. He identifies Jewel as his savior because she is the symbol of his rebellion. Addie carries out her final and most damaging act of revenge, making Anse promise to bring her body to Jefferson. This request places Addie's dead family explicitly above Anse and his children, and she knows that Anse will follow through because he is bound by his word..