Book Review 27 - The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Book Review 27 - The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Title: The Sound and the Fury. Author: William Faulkner. Publication Details: Published by Jonathan Cape and Harrison Smith, 1929. Genre: Southern Gothic, Modernist Literature.

Introduction 

The Sound and the Fury is one of William Faulkner's most famous novels, representing a high point in American modernist literature. Set in the American South, the novel tells the tragic story of the Compson family, who once held prestige but is now in decline. Faulkner's experimental narrative techniques, including fragmented timelines and stream-of-consciousness, make this novel both a challenging and rewarding read. It explores themes of loss, identity and moral decay in the post-Civil War South.

Summary of the Plot 

The novel is divided into four parts, each narrated in a distinct style, focusing on different members of the Compson family. The first section is narrated by Benjy, the mentally disabled son, whose perceptions are confused and fragmented. The second section is told from the perspective of Quentin, the family’s idealistic and neurotic eldest son, who is haunted by the loss of his sister Caddy and eventually commits suicide. The third part is narrated by Jason, the cynical, bitter younger brother, who is consumed by greed and resentment. The final section, told in third-person, shifts to Dilsey, the family’s black servant, offering a glimpse of hope and endurance amidst the family’s collapse.

Analysis of Themes 

Several powerful themes run throughout The Sound and the Fury:

The Decline of the Southern Aristocracy: The novel reflects the decay of the Compson family, representing the downfall of the old Southern aristocracy after the Civil War. Faulkner shows how the family’s rigid values and inability to adapt contribute to their downfall.

Time and Memory: Faulkner’s treatment of time is central to the novel, with past and present interwoven through the characters’ memories. This technique mirrors the characters’ inability to escape the past, especially evident in Quentin’s obsessive recollection of his sister.

Moral and Emotional Decay: The Compson family is plagued by personal failures, moral corruption, and emotional dysfunction. Each member represents a different form of decay, from Jason’s cruelty to Quentin’s idealism crumbling under the weight of reality. 

Style and Structure

1. Narrative Style 

Faulkner’s narrative style in The Sound and the Fury is highly experimental. The novel employs a stream-of-consciousness technique, especially in the first two sections, where Benjy’s disordered thoughts and Quentin’s neurotic reflections create fragmented, non-linear timelines. The structure of the novel demands an active engagement from readers, as they must piece together the story from multiple perspectives, often without clear transitions between time periods.

2. Language and Tone 

The language in the novel is deliberately complex, reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters. Benjy’s section is marked by simple, sensory-based observations, while Quentin’s is dense and lyrical, filled with philosophical and existential reflections. Jason’s section contrasts with its sharp, bitter and cynical tone, emphasizing his selfishness and anger. The tone of the novel ranges from tragic to bleak, with occasional glimpses of resilience, particularly in Dilsey’s section.

Critical Evaluation

1. Strengths

Innovative Narrative Techniques: Faulkner’s use of stream-of-consciousness and fragmented timelines was groundbreaking for its time. The multiple narrative perspectives create a deep psychological portrait of the characters and heighten the emotional impact of the story.

Complex Characterization: Faulkner’s portrayal of the Compson family is masterful. Each character is richly developed, revealing the intricacies of their thoughts and emotions. Even minor characters like Dilsey are imbued with depth and significance.

Powerful Themes: The exploration of themes such as family decay, memory and moral disintegration offers a profound commentary on the human condition and the cultural changes in the South during the early 20th century. 

2. Weaknesses 

Difficulty in Comprehension: Faulkner’s narrative style, especially in Benjy’s section, can be extremely challenging for readers. The disordered chronology and lack of clear signposting between different time periods make the novel hard to follow.

Emotional Distance: Some readers may find it difficult to emotionally connect with the characters, as Faulkner’s focus on style and form can create a sense of detachment from their inner lives. The characters’ intense suffering is often presented in a way that feels distant and abstract. 

Conclusion 

The Sound and the Fury remains a landmark in American literature, renowned for its daring experimentation with narrative form and its profound exploration of the human psyche. Though its complexity may alienate some readers, those who persevere are rewarded with a rich, multilayered experience that reveals the tragic depths of the Compson family’s downfall. Faulkner’s novel is a powerful meditation on memory, loss, and the inevitable passage of time.

References

Bleikasten, André. The Most Splendid Failure: Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury. Indiana University Press, 1976.

Millgate, Michael. The Achievement of William Faulkner. University of Nebraska Press, 1978.

Vickery, Olga W. The Novels of William Faulkner: A Critical Interpretation. Louisiana State University Press, 1964. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is The Sound and the Fury considered difficult to read?

The novel’s use of fragmented timelines, stream-of-consciousness, and unconventional narrative styles can make it challenging for readers to follow the plot.

How is time portrayed in The Sound and the Fury?

Time is presented as fluid and non-linear, with memories from the past continually interrupting the present. This mirrors the characters’ inability to move beyond their past traumas.

What is the significance of the title The Sound and the Fury?

The title is taken from Shakespeare’s Macbeth and refers to life’s chaotic, meaningless struggles. It reflects the disintegration and tragedy of the Compson family.