In 'The Sound and the Fury', William Faulkner explores the disintegration of the Compson family in the American South through a complex narrative structure. Each chapter presents a different perspective, revealing the internal struggles and tragic fates of its characters, particularly the troubled Benjy and the tormented Quentin. Time is a fluid concept, folding and twisting as memories resurface and past regrets haunt the present. Faulkner's lyrical prose immerses readers in a world of deep emotional turmoil and existential despair. This haunting exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time will leave you questioning the very nature of reality.
By William Faulkner
Published: 1991
"I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire; I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it."
NOBEL PRIZE WINNER • One of the greatest novels of the twentieth century is the story of a family of Southern aristocrats on the brink of personal and financial ruin. The Sound and the Fury is the tragedy of the Compson family, featuring some of the most memorable characters in literature: beautiful, rebellious Caddy; the manchild Benjy; haunted, neurotic Quentin; Jason, the brutal cynic; and Dilsey, their black servant. Their lives fragmented and harrowed by history and legacy, the character’s voices and actions mesh to create what is arguably Faulkner’s masterpiece and one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century. “I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire.... I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.” —from The Sound and the Fury
William Faulkner (1897-1962) was an American author known for his complex narratives and innovative writing style, which often included stream of consciousness and fragmented timelines. He is celebrated for his deep exploration of Southern culture and the human condition. Faulkner’s notable works include 'The Sound and the Fury,' 'As I Lay Dying,' and 'Light in August,' each reflecting his profound understanding of character and place. His literary contributions earned him two Nobel Prizes in Literature, establishing him as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century.
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“I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire; I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it.”
The Sound and the Fury
By William Faulkner
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