As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner describes the story of a tragic family and their sad journey across Missouri. Although the Bundrens initially set out following their mother's death, their journey is soon fueled by jealousy, selfishness, and outright hatred as they are forced to depend on each other. When assessing the true severity of their dysfunction, it is critical to individually critique each family member for their personal motivations and feelings during the journey. Anse Bundren can obviously be seen as the most selfish and self-centered member of the family. Driven by a ridiculous belief that "...[If] he ever sweats, he will die" (Faulkner 17), Anse dedicates his life to avoiding and doling out work. While he may seem somewhat focused on keeping his promise to Addie about her burial, the only real reason Anse wants to go to Jefferson is to “…[get] his teeth. It will be a comfort. He will” (111). Dewey Dell follows next among the more selfish members of the family. She is so caught up in the pregnancy and abortion that she completely neglects any wants or needs of her siblings, father, and recently deceased mother. Although she occasionally plays a motherly role towards Vardaman, Dewey Dell rarely goes a step without mentioning herself and her problems, especially towards the end of the book. Vardaman is much harder to decipher as his true feelings are somewhat masked by his immaturity and inability. to really convey anything. After Vardaman's simple yet profound revelation that "My mother is a fish" (84), Vardaman frees Addie by cutting an air hole in the coffin. Eventually, the coffin is dropped into the river and "... [Darl] let it escape" (151). This signals the end of Vardaman's relationship... half the paper... is gone; I sit naked in the wagon above the mules that are in no hurry" (121). Dewey Dell knows that Darl "understands" his situation as he so often says, and Dewey Dell is worried that he might reveal this to Anse to someone else. Darl is now a threat, and Dewey Dell later plays a major role in subduing Darl before his transportation to the asylum Despite their terrible loss, the Bundrens do an impeccable job of remaining nearly as reckless and self-centered as Tull described him earlier, "They would risk it." fire, earth, water and everything just to eat a lot of bananas" (140). The Bundrens' absurd motivations and completely oblivious actions make this epic journey a tale of how far a family can go. any form of features.t.Works CitedFaulkner, William As I Lay Dying New York: Vintage, 1990. Print.