As I Lay Dying

by William Faulkner

As I Lay Dying: Situational Irony 1 key example

42. Darl
Explanation and Analysis—Cash's Tools:

In Chapter 42, the Bundren family has just prevailed in the river, but Cash’s leg was broken in the process. As he speaks incoherently (likely due to shock and pain), the family tries to understand what he is asking for. In an ironic twist, he says nothing of his legs or Addie's coffin but instead worries about the fate of his tools:

He tried to say something. Dewey Dell wiped his mouth again.

“What’s he say?” Vernon said.

“What is it, Cash?” Dewey Dell said. She leaned down. “His tools,” she said.