Questions About The Sound and the Fury

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Answered Questions (6)

I tried to read this book a year ago and only made it through the first part of the book. I found it confusing and actually had to get Cliff notes and still misunderstood what was going on. I put the book to the side to pick up later. I loved his short story "A Rose for Emily" though. What do you think of it?

Christa The first part is really confusing, even with cliffnotes. However, I suggest you keep going. The beginning is definitely the most confusing part since…moreThe first part is really confusing, even with cliffnotes. However, I suggest you keep going. The beginning is definitely the most confusing part since its from Benjy's perspective and due to his mental disabilities he cannot separate past from present. (Time itself ends up being used as a motif.) Events that happened when he and Jason, Quentin and Caddy were younger sit side by side with the current events that are actually happening (his 33rd birthday). If you continue on it gets easier. Jason's chapter is from his viewpoint but it gives the reader a clearer perspective because the novel switches from a stream of consciousness to a third party narrator. Then the last chapter is from a 3rd person perspective which finally gives the reader a solid grasp on the events of the story. It was a struggle for me to get through but Faulkner definitely has a unique writing style unlike anyone else and his talent is worth appreciating. (less)

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Edward

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Seth

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I'd like to ask if there's anymore of Faulkner's books similar to 'The Sound and the Fury' and 'As I Lay Dying'? I loved his stream of consciousness.

Jerry Phillips Absalom, Absalom! One of my three favorite Faulkner novels.

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I am using this book for a comparative essay, do you have any recommendations of another book to pair it with?

Pat Turman A book I would compare & contrast it to would be Beloved. Both set in the south, both in a stream of conscience prose style, both put demands on the r…moreA book I would compare & contrast it to would be Beloved. Both set in the south, both in a stream of conscience prose style, both put demands on the reader to "find" the events incidentally to piece the story together (although TSATF is WAY more challenging on that level), both dealing with southern-gothic themes of sin & guilt.(less)

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