Lafe Character Analysis in As I Lay Dying

Lafe works as a farmer on the Bundrens’ plot, and is the father of Dewey Dell’s unborn child. He never appears in the novel physically, but is mentioned incessantly by Dewey Dell. Lafe gives Dewey Dell ten dollars, which he claims will get her an abortion, in an apparent effort to cut himself off from her.

Lafe Character Timeline in As I Lay Dying

The timeline below shows where the character Lafe appears in As I Lay Dying. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Self-Interest Versus Heroic Duty Theme Icon

...next to Addie on her deathbed, Dewey Dell reflects on the experience harvesting cotton with Lafe, a laborer on the Bundrens' farm. She recalls her confused and confusing memory of how... (full context)

Dewey Dell then has the realization that Darl knows about her experience with Lafe, saying, "He said he knew without the words like he told me that ma is... (full context)

Mortality and the Nature of Existence Theme Icon

...Dewey Dell this question, Darl expresses his awareness of what happened between his sister and Lafe, though she won't admit it. Darl then notices the sun begin to set "like a... (full context)

...ideal and unrealistic world. She claims, "I would let him come in between me and Lafe, like Darl did." Dewey Dell is distracted by the sound of Cash's saw, but complies... (full context)

...She tells it to wait, still focused on finding Vardaman. She passes the stall, repeating Lafe's name to herself until she hears sounds from within the stall. It is Vardaman. She... (full context)

Anse spots Dewey Dell's ten dollars, initially given to her by Lafe and still left over from the failed abortion attempt. Anse asks her about where she... (full context)