The Sound and the Fury (Cliffs Notes) by Roberts, James L. (1963) Paperback

by James Lamar Roberts

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on The Sound and the Fury, you explore what is considered to be one of William Faulkner's greatest novels. The Sound and the Fury tells the story of the decline of the once-aristocratic Compson family of Yoknapatawpha County, in northern Mississippi, as told in stream of consciousness by three brothers – Benjamin, Quentin, and Jason.

Summaries and commentaries guide you through each section of the novel, and critical essays help you understand the origin of the book's title, the structure of the book, and Faulkner's stream of consciousness style of writing. Other features that help you study include

A section on the life and background of William Faulkner A special guide to the Benjy section – the most difficult section of the novel Analyses of the major characters An additional critical essay on meaning through motif in the novel Review questions and essay topics Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Genres: Reference, Classics, Literary Criticism, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published October 3, 1963

About the author

See James L. Roberts.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, I'm actually adding the Cliffs Notes version to Goodreads because the book is just that damn confusing. Is Quentin a boy or a girl? Oh, both. Is the main character named Maury or Benjie? Oh, both. Is he 33 or 5 years old? Oh, both. Gee, thanks for nothing, Mr. Faulkner.

[Deeba · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read the sound and the fury and i had no idea what was going on so i admit that this was the only time i used the cliffs notes

[David Meditationseed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting work about The Sound and the Fury.

The Sound and The Fury is a strong and intense book. It may seem confusing at times because of the linearity of years. But as time itself, as many people say, has one of cruelty and beauty, a paradox.

In this work there is the force of the breaking of taboos and prejudices. The brutality of events involving the family protagonist of the work shows that the aridity of the events of existence provide uncontrollable effects, causes and consequences.

The fury may even be silent, but wickedness is a hard sound to hide.

[T.O. Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading 10 pages of the original I decided I needed help decoding.....therefore I read this great little book and now know the plot, the characters, the structure. I also now realize I don't want to finish the original but am not completely ignorant of the story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review is only for 1970 C.K. Hillegas edition. Cannot add it into Goodreads.

Excellent.

[Chris]

i thought this synopsis was great. really consise. pretty strait forward. I don't get the whole shakspere thing though.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book we are reading for a book club, but my sister is still reading the copy we have, so I read the cliff notes, though I will read the book

[Amin Delshad · Rating 3 out of 5]

it helps but tries to oppose its version of the novel

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I read this, so I know what's going on in the book. Very confusing at times.

[Robu-sensei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for explanation of what is going on in the first (Benjy's) section, and for that it was helpful. I haven't opened a Cliffs Notes in decades. Are they all as hastily written as this one?