Summary
The Sound and the Fury, published in 1929, is widely considered William Faulkner's masterpiece and one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Set in Jefferson, Mississippi, it tells the tragic story of the Compson family's decline through four distinct narrative voices—the three Compson brothers and the family's longtime Black servant. Exploring themes of time, memory, and the decay of the Old South, the novel was groundbreaking for its stream-of-consciousness style. Opening a window into its characters' inner psychological turmoil, The Sound and the Fury cemented Faulkner’s reputation as a pioneer of modernist literature
Plot
The Sound and the Fury follows the decline of the Compson family in Jefferson, Mississippi, over several decades in the early 20th century. The novel is divided into four sections, each narrated from a different perspective. Opening on April 7, 1928, the first section is narrated by Benjy, the mentally disabled youngest Compson son. Benjy's stream-of-consciousness account jumps between memories, particularly those involving his beloved sister, Caddy.
The second section is narrated by Quentin Compson, the eldest son, on June 2, 1910, the day of his suicide. Quentin is obsessed with Southern ideals of honor and his sister's virginity. He is unable to cope with Caddy's promiscuity and pregnancy, which leads to his suicidal thoughts.
The third section, taking place on April 6, 1928, is narrated by Jason, the cynical third Compson son, who has become head of the household. Bitter about having to care for his family, Jason is secretly stealing money meant for Caddy's daughter, Miss Quentin.
The novel concludes on April 8, 1928. The final section is told from a third-person perspective, focusing on Dilsey, the Compsons' longtime Black servant. Dilsey takes Benjy to Easter church services while Jason sets out in pursuit of Miss Quentin, who has run away with a man from a traveling show and stolen Jason's hidden stash of money.
Throughout the non-chronological narrative, key events in the family's history are gradually revealed, including Caddy's loss of virginity, marriage, and banishment from the family. The novel portrays the Compsons' downfall through financial ruin, loss of reputation, and the tragedy of each family member. Themes of time, memory, and the decay of Southern aristocratic values are explored through the fragmented perspectives of the different narrators.
