In William Faulkner's novel As I Lay Dying, the dysfunctional Bundren family embarks on an eye-opening journey from their farm in Yoknapatawpha County to bury their recently deceased matriarch and without a matron, Addie. . Comprised of 59 sections narrated by 15 different people, Faulkner's novel is a demonstration of man's primordial selfishness told through many different streams of consciousness that most often reveal conflicting information. By using this technique and deliberately hiding the meaning from the reader, Faulkner constantly develops his story and comments on society's obsession with absolute truths while forcing the reader to become more active. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Early on in the novel, Faulkner establishes that the reader will not have things explained to them in an orderly fashion and must synthesize, for themselves, what is presented. Darl, the first narrator, opens the story by recounting a strange procession during which he "turns and follows the path that goes around the house" while Jewel, who has also received no information, "looks straight before him, walk with a single step.” striding through the window” with the “rigid gravity of an Indian cigar seller dressed in patched overalls” (4). The scene seems ritualistic but, at the same time, confusing and random for the reader who finds himself without any explanation. This lack of information used by Faulkner actually draws the reader into the story and makes them more involved as they must try to make sense of the events instead of taking a passive role. Additionally, Faulkner's use of stream of consciousness highlights the reality that one's perception is unique and biased, but also accepted as absolute truth by its holder. A good example of this is Darl's assertion that Addie's coffin, which is made right outside her window and she dies, will give her "confidence and comfort" (5). On the other hand, Jewel criticizes the making of the coffins and scorns the "others sitting [near Addie], like buzzards" for their insensitivity and coldness (15). Both sons fully believe in their opinions and do not doubt for a second that they are wrong. This distorted and contradictory reality leads the reader to a state of skepticism where they never know who to trust. All of Faulkner's characters are biased and therefore all of their stories can only be considered opinion. Another example of the character's wildly varied views on life is when Addie's coffin falls into the river. While the youngest Bundren, Vardaman, repeatedly states that his mother is a fish, Anse complains about the difficulties he has encountered in life and decides that "getting teeth soon...will be a comfort" (111). Although both family members are experiencing the same situation, neither of them reacts to it in the same way as the other. Using stream of consciousness, Faulkner directly illustrates to the reader each narrator's organic thoughts and how they justify them. Ultimately, this can be extended as Faulkner's universal observation of the human world: all individuals have a unique interpretation of the world and what is the truth for one is not necessarily the truth for another. Finally, Faulkner uses strangers and their actions to reveal information left out by the family. En route to Jefferson, the Bundren wagon passes a group of pedestrians and Darl notes, “We hear sudden, ejaculating voices. Jewel looked from side to side; now his head turns forward and I see his.