31st Annual Student Research Conference
Using Cognitive Theory to Illuminate the Character Darl and His Demise
Derek Franklin ♦
Dr. Bob Mielke, Faculty Mentor
In William Faulkner’s 1930 novel As I Lay Dying, Faulkner begins the novel by portraying Darl as a reliable narrator and the novel’s protagonist, but each chapter the point-of-view changes, allowing the reader to see the story of the Bundren’s incredible journey to bury its matron unfold from several perspectives. In my paper I use theory of mind and some aspects of script (schema) theory as lenses through which to analyze As I Lay Dying and the character of Darl, specifically how and why Darl’s family comes to despise and betray him. Throughout the novel, Faulkner paints Darl as a madman with seemingly psychic powers, and theory of mind proves a valuable tool in helping us to understand Darl’s character and how other characters perceive him, especially in light of the constant shifting of narrative perspective.
Keywords: Faulkner, Cognitive Theory, Theory of Mind, Script and Schema Theory
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 102-5
Location: MG 1090
Time: 9:00