<P> The novel utilizes stream of consciousness writing technique, multiple narrators, and varying chapter lengths . </P> <P> The book is narrated by 15 different characters over 59 chapters . It is the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her poor, rural family's quest and motivations--noble or selfish--to honor her wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi . </P> <P> As the book opens, Addie is alive, though in ill health . Addie and others expect her to die soon, and she sits at a window watching as her firstborn, Cash, builds her coffin . Anse, Addie's husband, waits on the porch, while their daughter, Dewey Dell, fans her mother in the July heat . The night after Addie dies a heavy rainstorm sets in; rivers rise and wash out bridges the family will need to cross to get to Jefferson . </P> <P> The family's trek by wagon begins, with Addie's non-embalmed body in the coffin . Along the way, Anse and the five children encounter various difficulties . Anse stubbornly refuses to accept any charity, including meals or lodging, from people, so at times the family goes hungry and sleeps in barns . </P>

What is cash building in as ilay dying