Abstract: As I lay dying is one of Faulkner’s representatives which have been attracted attention by many critics. It is divided into fifty-nine sections, narrated by 15 different characters. Each of the sections is a character’s internal monologue. Vardaman, the youngest son of Addie, appears in the novel as a retard boy, who narrates ten sections of whole novel. His children’s narrative perspective presents an omniscient point of view about the Bundrens for readers. Idiotic figure is a unique part of Faulkner’s novel. As I Lay Dying involves a lot of idiotic narration. Based on the extensive literature survey, document research as well as the theory of idiot, this thesis will analyze the novel in terms of idiotic narration, the complement of Darl, the linguistic feature of Vardaman to reveal the significance and value of Vardaman this idiotic figure in this novel. It reflects the wise thinking of the writer to life and humanity.

Key words: Vardaman, As I Lay Dying, idiotic narration, idiotic figure

Content

摘要：

Abstract:

Chapter 1：An Introduction to As I Lay Dying-6

1.1 Background Information-6

1.2 Main Content-6

Chapter 2：A  Brief Introduction to Vardaman’s Narration-7

Chapter 3: Idiotic Narration-8

3.1 Children’s View-8

3.2 Omniscient Narration-9

3.3 Innocent Description-9

Chapter 4: Complement of Darl-10

Chapter 5 The Relationship between Vardaman and His Family Members-11

5.1 The Love to Addie-11

5.2 Vardaman and Anse-12

Chapter six: Idiolect-13

6.1 Slang and Colloquial Words-13

6.2 Non-verbal Modification-15

Conclusion-17

Bibliography-19