Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner

The novel's structure and narrative technique

The Sound and the Fury is a complex and challenging novel, and its structure and narrative technique are some of its most distinctive features.

The novel is divided into four sections, each of which is narrated by a different character. The first section is narrated by Benjy Compson, a 33-year-old man with the mental capacity of a child. The second section is narrated by Quentin Compson, Benjy's older brother, on the day of his suicide. The third section is narrated by Jason Compson, Benjy and Quentin's younger brother. The fourth and final section is narrated by Dilsey Gibson, the Compsons' African American housekeeper.

Faulkner's use of multiple narrators allows him to tell the story from different perspectives and to reveal different aspects of the Compson family's history and psychology. Benjy's section of the novel is fragmented and stream-of-conscious, reflecting his limited understanding of the world. Quentin's section is more linear, but it is also highly introspective and dwells on the past. Jason's section is cynical and materialistic, and it provides a contrast to the other narrators' more idealistic perspectives. Dilsey's section offers a more objective and compassionate view of the Compsons.

Faulkner also uses a variety of other narrative techniques in The Sound and the Fury. He frequently shifts the point of view within a section, and he often uses flashbacks and flash-forwards to create a non-chronological narrative. He also uses symbolism and imagery extensively throughout the novel.

The combination of multiple narrators, stream-of-consciousness, non-chronological storytelling, and symbolism gives The Sound and the Fury a unique and complex structure. Faulkner's narrative techniques are challenging for the reader, but they also provide a rich and rewarding experience.

Here are some of the ways in which Faulkner's structure and narrative technique contribute to the meaning of the novel:

The use of multiple narrators allows Faulkner to explore the Compson family's history and psychology from different perspectives. This helps the reader to understand the complexity of the characters and the forces that have shaped their lives.
The stream-of-consciousness technique gives the reader access to the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters. This allows the reader to experience the world through the characters' eyes and to understand their motivations and desires.
The non-chronological storytelling reflects the fragmented and disordered nature of the Compsons' lives. It also suggests that the past is always present and that it continues to influence the present.
The use of symbolism and imagery allows Faulkner to explore the novel's themes in a deeper and more nuanced way. For example, the image of the rotting house symbolizes the decline of the Compson family.

Faulkner's structure and narrative technique in The Sound and the Fury are groundbreaking and innovative. They help to create a complex and challenging novel that rewards multiple readings.

The novel's themes
The Sound and the Fury is a complex and challenging novel that explores a wide range of themes, including:

The decline of the South: The Compson family is once-proud Southern aristocracy, but they have fallen on hard times by the time the novel takes place. Their decline is symbolic of the decline of the South as a whole after the Civil War.
The nature of memory: The novel's characters are haunted by the past, and their memories are often fragmented and unreliable. Faulkner explores the ways in which memory can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The human condition: The Sound and the Fury is a meditation on the human condition, with all its joys, sorrows, and complexities. Faulkner explores themes such as love, loss, identity, and the meaning of life.

Other themes that are explored in the novel include:

Race and gender: The Sound and the Fury is set in the early 20th century South, and it reflects the racial and gender inequalities of that time period. Faulkner explores the ways in which race and gender shape the lives of the characters.
Family and relationships: The novel explores the complex and often fraught relationships between family members. Faulkner shows how these relationships can be both a source of love and support, as well as a source of conflict and pain.
Class and social status: The Sound and the Fury explores the different social classes that existed in the South at the time, and the ways in which class status influenced the lives of the characters.
Morality and ethics: Faulkner explores the complex moral and ethical issues that the characters face. He shows how these issues can be difficult to resolve, and how different people can have different perspectives on them.

Faulkner's exploration of these themes is complex and nuanced. He does not offer easy answers or simple solutions. Instead, he challenges the reader to think about these issues in new and different ways.

The Sound and the Fury is a timeless novel that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a complex and challenging work, but it is also a rewarding one. Faulkner's exploration of the human condition is both insightful and compassionate.

The novel's characters

The characters in The Sound and the Fury are complex and well-developed. Faulkner explores their inner thoughts and feelings in great depth, and he shows how their past experiences have shaped their lives.

Here is a brief overview of the main characters:

Benjy Compson: Benjy is the youngest Compson child. He is 33 years old, but he has the mental capacity of a child. Benjy is a sensitive and loving person, but he is also deeply traumatized by his experiences.
Quentin Compson: Quentin is the oldest Compson child. He is a brilliant and idealistic young man, but he is also deeply troubled. Quentin is haunted by the past, and he struggles to come to terms with the loss of his childhood innocence.
Jason Compson: Jason is the middle Compson child. He is a cynical and materialistic man who is driven by ambition. Jason is often cruel and selfish, but he is also capable of great love and loyalty.
Caddy Compson: Caddy is the Compson daughter. She is a beautiful and charming young woman, but she is also reckless and irresponsible. Caddy's actions have a profound impact on the other members of the Compson family.
Dilsey Gibson: Dilsey is the Compsons' African American housekeeper. She is a strong and compassionate woman who is the glue that holds the Compson family together. Dilsey is a moral compass for the other characters, and she offers them love and support even when they don't deserve it.

The Compson family is a dysfunctional one, but they are also deeply connected to each other. Faulkner explores the complex relationships between the characters in great depth, and he shows how their love for each other is often overshadowed by their pain and anger.

The characters in The Sound and the Fury are some of the most memorable and complex in all of literature. Faulkner's exploration of their inner lives is both insightful and compassionate.

The novel's historical and cultural context

The Sound and the Fury is set in Jefferson, Mississippi, in the early 20th century. The novel reflects the historical and cultural context of the time period, including the decline of the South, the legacy of slavery, and the rise of modernity.

The Compson family is once-proud Southern aristocracy, but they have fallen on hard times by the time the novel takes place. Their decline is symbolic of the decline of the South as a whole after the Civil War. The South was devastated by the war, and its economy was in ruins. Many Southern families, like the Compsons, lost their wealth and status.

The legacy of slavery is also felt in The Sound and the Fury. Dilsey Gibson, the Compsons' African American housekeeper, is a former slave. She is a strong and compassionate woman, but she is also still bound by the racism and prejudice of the South.

The rise of modernity is also evident in The Sound and the Fury. Jason Compson, the middle Compson child, is a businessman who is driven by ambition and success. He represents the new South, which is emerging from the ashes of the Civil War. However, Jason's materialism and cynicism also represent the dark side of modernity.

Faulkner's exploration of the historical and cultural context of The Sound and the Fury is complex and nuanced. He does not offer easy answers or simple solutions. Instead, he challenges the reader to think about these issues in new and different ways.

Here are some additional aspects of the historical and cultural context of The Sound and the Fury:

The South was still recovering from the Civil War in the early 20th century. The economy was poor, and many people were living in poverty.
The South was also deeply divided along racial lines. African Americans were still subject to segregation and discrimination.
The rise of industrialization was transforming the American economy and society. However, the South was largely left out of this economic boom.
The South was also experiencing a cultural transformation. Traditional values were being challenged by new ideas and lifestyles.

Faulkner's novel reflects all of these changes and tensions. It is a complex and challenging work, but it is also a rewarding one. Faulkner's exploration of the South in the early 20th century is both insightful and compassionate.

The role of race and gender in the novel
Race and gender play important roles in The Sound and the Fury. Faulkner explores the ways in which these factors shape the lives of the characters and the society in which they live.

African Americans are marginalized and discriminated against in the novel. Dilsey Gibson, the Compsons' African American housekeeper, is a former slave. She is a strong and compassionate woman, but she is also bound by the racism and prejudice of the South. Jason Compson, the middle Compson child, is a businessman who is driven by ambition and success. He is also a racist who treats Dilsey with contempt.

Women are also marginalized in the novel. Caddy Compson, the Compson daughter, is a beautiful and charming young woman, but she is also reckless and irresponsible. Caddy's actions have a profound impact on the other members of the Compson family, but she is ultimately rejected and ostracized.

Faulkner's portrayal of race and gender in The Sound and the Fury is complex and nuanced. He does not offer easy answers or simple solutions. Instead, he challenges the reader to think about these issues in new and different ways.

Here are some additional thoughts on the role of race and gender in The Sound and the Fury:

Faulkner's portrayal of race is particularly complex. He shows how racism is ingrained in the society in which the characters live. He also shows how racism can corrupt and dehumanize both the victim and the perpetrator.
Faulkner's portrayal of gender is also complex. He shows how traditional gender roles can be oppressive and limiting for both men and women. He also shows how women can challenge these roles and assert their independence.

Faulkner's novel is a powerful exploration of the ways in which race and gender can shape our lives. It is a challenging work, but it is also a rewarding one.

Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery

Faulkner uses symbolism and imagery extensively in The Sound and the Fury. He uses these literary devices to create a rich and complex tapestry of meaning.

Here are a few examples of Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery in the novel:

The Compson house: The Compson house is a symbol of the decline of the South. It is once-grand mansion that is now falling into disrepair. The house's decay reflects the decay of the Compson family and the South as a whole.
The clock: The clock is a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The clock is often mentioned in the novel, and it often strikes at key moments in the narrative.
The water: Water is a symbol of both rebirth and destruction in the novel. Quentin Compson drowns himself in the Charles River, which can be seen as a symbolic act of rebirth. However, water can also be destructive, as seen in the flood that destroys the Compson house at the end of the novel.
The honey locust: The honey locust is a symbol of Caddy Compson's sexuality and her rebellious nature. The honey locust tree is often mentioned in the novel, and it is often associated with Caddy's sexual encounters.

Faulkner also uses a variety of other symbols and images in the novel, such as the color white, the flowers of spring, and the birds of the air. He uses these symbols and images to create a rich and evocative world that comes alive for the reader.

Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery in The Sound and the Fury is both complex and sophisticated. He uses these literary devices to explore the novel's themes and to create a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the characters.

Here are some additional thoughts on Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery in The Sound and the Fury:

Faulkner's symbolism is often multi-layered and ambiguous. For example, the honey locust tree can be seen as a symbol of Caddy's sexuality, her rebellious nature, and even the South itself.
Faulkner also uses symbolism to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the decaying Compson house creates a sense of foreboding and doom.
Faulkner's imagery is often vivid and evocative. For example, he describes the smell of honeysuckle in the spring air and the sound of the river flowing past.

Faulkner's use of symbolism and imagery is one of the things that makes The Sound and the Fury such a rich and rewarding novel. It is a novel that can be read and reread, and each time the reader will discover new meanings and insights.

The novel's influence on other writers and artists

The Sound and the Fury has had a profound influence on other writers and artists. It is considered to be one of the most important and influential novels of the 20th century.

Here are a few examples of writers and artists who have been influenced by The Sound and the Fury:

Writers: Toni Morrison, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Gabriel García Márquez, Ralph Ellison, Saul Bellow, and William Styron
Artists: Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Francis Bacon

The Sound and the Fury has influenced writers and artists in a variety of ways. It has influenced their use of language, their narrative techniques, and their subject matter.

For example, Toni Morrison's novel Beloved was influenced by Faulkner's use of stream-of-consciousness narration and his exploration of the legacy of slavery. Gabriel García Márquez's novel One Hundred Years of Solitude was influenced by Faulkner's use of multiple narrators and his non-chronological storytelling.

Willem de Kooning's painting Woman I was influenced by Faulkner's use of fragmentation and his exploration of the human psyche. Jackson Pollock's paintings were influenced by Faulkner's use of abstract imagery and his focus on the subconscious mind. Francis Bacon's paintings were influenced by Faulkner's exploration of violence and the human condition.

The Sound and the Fury is a seminal work of literature that has had a lasting impact on writers and artists around the world. It is a novel that continues to be read and studied today, and its influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary writers and artists.

In addition to the examples listed above, here are a few other ways in which The Sound and the Fury has influenced other writers and artists:

Faulkner's use of stream-of-consciousness narration has inspired many writers to experiment with new ways of representing the inner lives of their characters.
Faulkner's exploration of complex themes such as race, gender, and the human condition has challenged writers and artists to think more deeply about their own work.
Faulkner's innovative use of language and narrative technique has inspired writers and artists to push the boundaries of their own creativity.

The Sound and the Fury is a truly groundbreaking novel that has had a profound impact on the world of literature and art. It is a novel that continues to challenge and inspire readers and artists alike.

The novel's critical reception over time

The critical reception of The Sound and the Fury has evolved over time. When the novel was first published in 1929, it was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised Faulkner's innovative use of language and narrative technique, while others found the novel to be difficult and challenging.

Over time, The Sound and the Fury has come to be recognized as one of the most important and influential novels of the 20th century. It is now considered to be a classic work of American literature.

Here is a brief overview of the novel's critical reception over time:

1929: When the novel was first published, it was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised Faulkner's innovative use of language and narrative technique, while others found the novel to be difficult and challenging.
1930s: In the 1930s, The Sound and the Fury began to be more widely recognized as a significant work of literature. Critics began to appreciate the novel's complexity and its exploration of important themes such as race, gender, and the human condition.
1940s and 1950s: In the 1940s and 1950s, The Sound and the Fury became a staple of American literature courses. Critics continued to praise the novel's innovative use of language and narrative technique, and they also began to explore the novel's deeper meanings and symbolism.
1960s and 1970s: In the 1960s and 1970s, The Sound and the Fury was interpreted through the lens of new critical theories, such as structuralism and post-structuralism. Critics began to explore the novel's intertextuality and its relationship to other works of literature and culture.
1980s and beyond: In the 1980s and beyond, The Sound and the Fury has continued to be studied and interpreted by critics. The novel continues to be relevant to contemporary readers, and it remains one of the most important and influential novels of the 20th century.

The Sound and the Fury is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a novel that can be read and reread, and each time the reader will discover new meanings and insights.