Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures

University of Bucharest

Sidonia Purcarescu

English B

Group 11, series 4

The Sound and the Fury

“The Sound and the Fury” unfolds against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th
century, a period marked by the decline of the Southern aristocracy. Drawing from his own
experiences, Faulkner weaves a very complex narrative that reflects the societal shifts and
challenges that were endured by the South during this tumultuous time (Blotner).

“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury

Signifying nothing.” (Macbeth V.v.19–28)

The narrative of Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” begins nonetheless as a “tale/Told by an
idiot”, as the opening chapter is depicted by the mentally disabled brother, Benjy Compson.

This story about a Southern family, that once was wealthy and distinguished, takes you throughout
not one, but four minds that tell the same story seen through different eyes, letting you put the
pieces of the Compsons decadence all together (Churchwell). Each member of the family struggles
with their own demons and contributing to the overall disintegration of the family unit. Benjy is
the intellectually disabled, Quentin has an inner tumult, Jason is the angry and bitter child, Caddy
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is the curious and promiscuous sister that represents the mother figure and the source of affection
for Benjy and Quentin, and the steadfast Dilsey collectively create a portrait of a family in decline.
Through these characters, Faulkner paints a vivid picture of a family crumbling under the weight
of its own history (Churchwell).

Quentin Compson, the eldest, becomes a tragic figure plagued by internal struggles and an
overwhelming sense of responsibility, as he tries to take the blame in Caddy's pregnancy, claiming
false responsibility for her sin, he tells his father that the two of them committed incest. Although
Mr. Compson dismissed Quentin's story and convinced him to leave to Harvard, his eldest son was
still feeling guilt for his sister actions, and the only way for the blame to go away was tooking his
own life, in the Charles River right before the first year as a student at Harvard.

On the contrary, Jason Compson embodies bitterness and moral decay, serving as a reflection of
the societal shifts transpiring in the South, being the kind of person who lives only for himself, and
cannot accept that the whole world may exist outside his beliefs. After his sister’s pregnancy is
unveiled and she is no longer married, the job as a banker promised by his brother-in-law gets off
the table. Furthermore, Jason has to be content with a job at the local farm-supply store and later
on conceives a cynic plan of stealing the money his sister Caddy sends to support her daughter,
Miss Quentin. His narrative offers a sharp picture on the breakdown of traditional values and the
impact of a changing societal landscape on individual morality.

Additionally, Benjy Compson, the mentally disabled sibling, the child in the body of a man, plays
an important part in the distinctive perspective of the narrative. He develops an obsession with his
sister, Caddy, being the whole source of Benjy's affection, and when she leaves his state of mind
becomes more fragile with any day that passes. Faulkner employs a non-linear narrative structure
and temporal shifts to convoy Benjy's reality as he has no concept of time. He actually depicts all
his life events in the present. On top of that, Faulkner emphasizing the challenges of
communication and understanding in a seemingly fragmented and disjointed world.

As in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, that implies life is nothing but the shadow of the past, and one
cannot overcome the greatness of that past, Faulkner paints a new picture of this idea. He implies
that if one does not take his own life, like the young Harvard student did, then the remaining
options that he has left are to turn himself either into a cynic and greedy person like Jason, or an
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idiot like Benjy, not knowing what life is other than an amalgam of images, memories and sounds
with no recognition (Bartlett).

Although not a direct narrator of this story, Caddy plays a central role, with her choices and actions
resonating throughout the novel, influencing the destinies of her siblings and contributing to the
overall disintegration of the Compson family.

“The Sound and the Fury” resonates with an abundance of thematic elements that transcend its
temporal and familial setting. Themes of race, class, and Southern tradition are directly woven into
the narrative fabric, offering a nuanced portrayal of the American South in the early 20th century.
Faulkner's depiction of the Compson family's decline serves as a sample of broader societal
changes, providing a rich tapestry of this subject.

In conclusion, William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” carries us through the life of the
Compson’s family and their heirs’ minds and deepest parts of their souls. Faulkner brings to life a
narrative tapestry that delves into the complexities of time, memory, and the human kind. As we
navigate the turbulent stream of consciousness within these pages, we are reminded that the echoes
of the Compsons resound beyond the fictional realm, leaving a long lasting mark on our
understanding of literature and the human condition.

Works cited:

Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. Vintage Classics, 1995.

Blotner, Joseph. Faulkner: A Biography. Vintage Classics, 1991.

Churchwell, Sarah. Rereading The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. The Guardian, 2012.

Bartlett, M. Bridget. Macbeth’s Idiot and Faulkner’s Compsons. University of Mississippi, 2022.