Who are the most intelligent and sympathetic voices in novel As I Lay Dying?

It's difficult to definitively say who the "most intelligent and sympathetic" voices are in *As I Lay Dying* because Faulkner intentionally creates a fragmented narrative that leaves much open to interpretation. However, some characters stand out as particularly insightful and relatable, even with their flaws:

Sympathetic Voices:

* Addie Bundren: While she's only present through her internal monologue, Addie's voice is profound and reveals a complex understanding of her life, her family, and the world. Though her choices are questionable (like marrying Anse and having so many children), she's honest about her motivations and struggles, which makes her sympathetic.

* Darl Bundren: Darl is often considered the most intelligent character, with a perceptive and sometimes melancholic view of the world. He sees the absurdity of the journey and the flaws of his family, and his voice is often full of insight and pathos.

* Jewel Bundren: Jewel, despite being largely silent, is a deeply complex character. His silent strength and unwavering devotion to his mother make him a sympathetic figure, even though he acts in ways that are sometimes selfish.

Intelligent Voices:

* Darl Bundren: As mentioned above, Darl's insight into the human condition and the complexities of life makes him an intelligent voice.

* Addie Bundren: Addie's internal monologue demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the world and the human experience. She reflects on her past, her choices, and her relationships with a keen and often tragic awareness.

* Vardaman Bundren: Despite his young age, Vardaman's childlike perspective and understanding of death contribute to the novel's themes of mortality and perception.

Important Note: Faulkner's novel intentionally complicates the idea of "intelligence" and "sympathy." The Bundren family is full of contradictions and flaws, and their perspectives are often unreliable. Each character's voice contributes to a complex and fragmented portrait of family, grief, and the human condition. There's no single answer to who is the "most intelligent" or "most sympathetic," as it's ultimately up to the reader to decide.

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