The Symbolism of Moseley in "As I Lay Dying"

In William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, Moseley provides the reader an escape from the delusional world of the Bundrens and a glimpse of society, as it should be. Appearing only once in the novel, the elderly pharmacist is essential in emphasizing Faulkner's theme of moral values over self-seeking voracity in that he defends what he knows is right at all costs. Moseley is introduced in the small town of Mottson, where Dewey Dell wanders into his drugstore store with ten dollars from Lafe, and the intention of eliminating "the female trouble." (200) After much confusion, it is made clear that Dewey Dell wants an abortion, treatment that Moseley repeatedly refuses, despite her persistency. Discouraged, Dewey Dell eventually leaves, after a stern lecture from Moseley and advice to take the money and buy a marriage license. Moseley's morals, contrasting to the other characters' in the novel, may provide support for Faulkner's religious beliefs while adding a sense of righteousness to a world of iniquity.

In association with his writing style, Faulkner uses Moseley to provide the reader a much-needed outside view of the Bundrens. Up to this point in the novel, the reader has remained mostly with the Bundren family and begins to become accustomed to their peculiarity concerning their actions, conversations, and beliefs. Although minor characters such as Cora, Vernon, and Tull have narrated various parts of the novel, it is not until a complete stranger, such as Moseley, narrates that the dysfunction of the Bundren family becomes evident. While these other characters have all been previously introduced to the reader, frequently making an appearance on the last page of the chapter before the one they narrate, Moseley had no pr...

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... did use the devil to do it; you let Him take it away from you if it's His will to do so." (203) This statement implies Faulkner's biblical viewpoints of pre-marital relations as wrong and states his faith in God's ultimate plan for our lives.

Faulkner's character Moseley is essential in facilitating both his intended atmosphere and style of the novel, while placing emphasis on religious themes. Because he is new to the Bundrens, he is able to take the reader out of their world and see matters realistically. Moseley also proves errors within the Bundren's character by providing rectitude yet to be seen in the novel. He is a man of the word and does not trade his morals for the fleeting pleasures of the world. Through the lifestyle of the Bundrens, Faulkner intended to illustrate the faults in society and through Moseley, provide an example of how to live.