The Sound and the Fury

Definition

The Sound and the Fury is a novel written by William Faulkner, published in 1929, that employs a stream-of-consciousness narrative style to depict the disintegration of the Compson family in the American South. This modernist work reflects themes of time, memory, and the complexity of human experience through its innovative structure and fragmented storytelling, embodying key characteristics of modernist literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is divided into four sections, each focusing on different characters and time frames, showcasing Faulkner's innovative approach to narrative structure.
2. The first section is narrated by Benjy Compson, who has an intellectual disability, providing a unique and fragmented perspective on events.
3. The second section focuses on Quentin Compson, who is obsessed with time and his family's decline, highlighting themes of memory and loss.
4. The third section is told from the perspective of Jason Compson, revealing a more cynical view of the family dynamic and societal changes.
5. The final section shifts to a more traditional narrative style, depicting the family's struggles through the eyes of Dilsey, their African American servant, emphasizing resilience amid chaos.

Review Questions

• How does Faulkner's use of stream-of-consciousness contribute to the development of characters in 'The Sound and the Fury'?
  • 'The Sound and the Fury' employs stream-of-consciousness to deeply explore the inner lives of its characters, allowing readers to experience their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. This technique highlights the complexities and struggles faced by each character, particularly in conveying their psychological states. For example, Benjy's fragmented narrative mirrors his mental condition, while Quentin's fixation on time illustrates his existential despair. This narrative style not only enhances character development but also creates an immersive reading experience.
• Analyze how 'The Sound and the Fury' embodies modernist themes through its structure and character perspectives.
  • 'The Sound and the Fury' embodies modernist themes by breaking away from conventional storytelling methods and exploring subjective experiences. The novel's fragmented structure reflects the disintegration of the Compson family, paralleling broader societal changes in the early 20th century. Each character's perspective offers a distinct lens on shared events, emphasizing isolation and alienation. Faulkner's innovative narrative style challenges readers to engage with the complexities of time and memory as integral elements of modernist literature.
• Evaluate the significance of Dilsey's character in 'The Sound and the Fury' and her role in reflecting broader societal issues during Faulkner's time.
  • Dilsey serves as a crucial figure in 'The Sound and the Fury,' representing resilience amidst chaos while embodying broader societal issues such as race relations and class struggles in the American South. Her perspective contrasts sharply with that of the Compson family, providing insight into their decline while highlighting her strength as a caretaker. By positioning Dilsey as a moral anchor within a disintegrating family dynamic, Faulkner critiques social hierarchies and underscores the importance of human dignity in times of turmoil. Her enduring presence reveals both personal and societal complexities reflective of Faulkner's historical context.

Related terms

Stream-of-Consciousness: A narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings running through a character's mind, often resulting in a disjointed or nonlinear presentation.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break with traditional forms and an exploration of new artistic expressions and ideas.

Narrative Perspective: The viewpoint from which a story is told, significantly influencing how events and characters are perceived by the reader; 'The Sound and the Fury' uses multiple perspectives to deepen understanding.