“The Sound and the Fury” is a novel by William Faulkner that was published in 1929. It tells the story of the Compson family’s downfall from four different perspectives, each narrated by a different family member. The novel is known for its unconventional narrative style and nonlinear plot structure, which can be challenging for some readers to follow.
One way to understand the complex themes and motifs in “The Sound and the Fury” is to view it as an allegory. An allegory is a story that uses characters and events to represent abstract ideas or moral lessons. In this case, Faulkner uses the Compson family’s decline to comment on larger issues such as the decline of the American South, the passing of time, and the destructive nature of human relationships.
Background on ‘The Sound and the Fury’
‘The Sound and the Fury’ is a novel by William Faulkner, published in 1929. It is considered one of Faulkner’s greatest works and a masterpiece of modernist literature. The novel tells the story of the Compson family’s decline and downfall from the perspectives of four different characters.
The novel is notable for its nonlinear plot structure and its unconventional narrative style. The first section is narrated by Benjy, a mentally disabled man, and the subsequent sections are narrated by his brother Quentin, their brother Jason, and finally by an omniscient narrator. The novel is divided into four sections, each with its own unique style and voice.
Faulkner’s use of stream of consciousness and his exploration of the human psyche make ‘The Sound and the Fury’ a challenging but rewarding read. The novel’s themes include the decline of the American South, the loss of innocence, and the struggle for identity and meaning in a changing world.
‘The Sound and the Fury’ was not an immediate success upon its publication, but it has since become a classic of American literature. It has been adapted for film, stage, and television, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers today.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic characters, objects, and events to represent abstract ideas and concepts. It is often used to convey complex themes and messages in a way that is more accessible and memorable to readers.
One of the earliest examples of allegory in literature is the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer. In this work, the journey of the hero, Odysseus, is used to symbolize the spiritual journey of the human soul.
Another famous example of allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which uses farm animals to represent various figures and events in the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.
Allegory can be a powerful tool for writers to convey complex ideas and themes in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking for readers. It allows them to explore abstract concepts in a concrete and tangible way, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Sound and the Fury’
In “The Sound and the Fury,” William Faulkner employs various allegorical elements to convey the themes of the novel. One of the most significant allegories in the novel is the decline of the Compson family, which represents the decline of the Old South. The Compsons, once a powerful and wealthy family, are now in a state of disarray, and their decline mirrors the decline of the Old South after the Civil War.
Another allegory in the novel is the character of Benjy, who represents the loss of innocence. Benjy is mentally disabled and unable to understand the complexities of the world around him. He is a symbol of the simplicity and purity of childhood, which is lost as one grows older and becomes more aware of the world’s harsh realities.
The character of Quentin Compson also serves as an allegory in the novel. Quentin’s obsession with time and his inability to come to terms with the past represent the South’s inability to move on from the Civil War. Quentin’s suicide is a metaphor for the South’s self-destructive tendencies, which ultimately lead to its downfall.
Finally, the use of stream of consciousness in the novel is also allegorical. The disjointed and fragmented narrative style reflects the fragmented nature of the Compson family and the South as a whole. The use of stream of consciousness also emphasizes the characters’ internal struggles and their inability to communicate effectively with each other.
The Compson Family as an Allegory
The Compson family in “The Sound and the Fury” serves as an allegory for the decline of the Old South. The family’s aristocratic status and wealth are in sharp contrast to their moral decay and degeneration.
The patriarch of the family, Mr. Compson, represents the Old South’s obsession with tradition and the past, while his wife Caroline embodies the region’s superficiality and preoccupation with social status. The four Compson children, each with their own unique flaws and shortcomings, symbolize the various ways in which the Old South failed to adapt and evolve with the changing times.
Benjy, the mentally disabled son, represents the South’s inability to move beyond its romanticized past and embrace modernity. Quentin, the tragic and suicidal son, embodies the South’s obsession with honor and reputation. Jason, the greedy and manipulative son, represents the South’s economic exploitation and materialism. Lastly, Caddy, the promiscuous and rebellious daughter, symbolizes the South’s rejection of traditional gender roles and societal norms.
Time and Its Allegorical Significance
Benjy’s Section
In Benjy’s section of “The Sound and the Fury,” time is portrayed as a cyclical and repetitive force. He is unable to distinguish between past and present, and his memories are triggered by sensory experiences. This allegorically represents the idea that time is a construct of human perception and that the past is never truly gone, but rather exists in a continuous loop.
Quentin’s Section
Quentin’s section of the novel is characterized by a sense of impending doom and the inevitability of time. He is consumed by his memories and the weight of his family’s history, which he sees as a burden that he cannot escape. This allegorically represents the idea that time is a force beyond human control and that the past can have a lasting impact on the present.
Jason’s Section
In Jason’s section of the novel, time is portrayed as a means of control and manipulation. He is obsessed with money and the power it affords him, and he uses time as a tool to exert his dominance over those around him. This allegorically represents the idea that time is a commodity that can be bought and sold, and that those with the most of it have the most power.
Dilsey’s Section
Dilsey’s section of the novel is characterized by a sense of acceptance and resignation in the face of time. She is the only character who is able to transcend the boundaries of time and see the bigger picture of life. This allegorically represents the idea that time is a necessary part of the human experience, and that acceptance of its passing is key to finding meaning and purpose in life.
The Fall of the Southern Aristocracy
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner is a literary masterpiece that portrays the decline and fall of the Southern aristocracy. The novel takes place in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, and follows the Compson family, who are descendants of the old Southern aristocracy.
Faulkner’s novel is set in the early 20th century, a time when the traditional Southern way of life was rapidly disappearing. The Compson family, once a proud and influential family, is now in decline. The family’s patriarch, Mr. Compson, is an alcoholic who has squandered the family’s wealth and reputation. His wife, Mrs. Compson, is obsessed with preserving the family’s social status, but she is powerless to stop their downfall.
Christian Allusions and Their Meanings
William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” is rich with Christian allusions that add depth and meaning to the novel. These allusions can be seen in the characters, events, and themes of the story.
One of the most prominent Christian allusions in the novel is the story of the fall of man. This is represented by the decline of the Compson family, who were once prosperous and respected but are now in a state of decay and ruin. The character of Quentin, in particular, is often seen as a Christ figure, as he sacrifices himself to save his sister’s honor.
Another Christian allusion in the novel is the idea of redemption. This is seen in the character of Dilsey, who is the moral center of the novel and represents the possibility of salvation. Dilsey’s faith and devotion to God are contrasted with the moral decay of the Compson family, and she is seen as a beacon of hope in a world of darkness.
Finally, the novel also contains allusions to the concept of original sin. This is seen in the character of Benjy, who is mentally disabled and unable to communicate effectively. Benjy is often seen as a symbol of innocence, but his disability also represents the idea that all humans are born with a fundamental flaw that cannot be overcome.
The Role of Caddy
Caddy Compson is the only daughter of the Compson family and is arguably the most important character in the novel. She is the object of her brothers’ obsessions and the only one who seems capable of loving truly. Caddy is a complex character who defies easy categorization.
Her relationships with her brothers are fraught with tension and jealousy, particularly with Quentin, who is deeply in love with her. Her sexual promiscuity and subsequent pregnancy serve as a catalyst for the family’s downfall.
Despite her flaws, Caddy is a sympathetic character who is deeply affected by the dysfunction of her family. Her absence in the final section of the novel is a poignant reminder of the tragedy that has befallen the Compson family.
Symbols and Metaphors
“The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner is a complex novel filled with various symbols and metaphors that add depth and meaning to the story. One of the most significant symbols in the novel is water, which symbolizes purity and cleansing. Caddy, the main character’s sister, is associated with water, and her promiscuity is foreshadowed when she muddies her underclothes while playing in the stream as a child.
Another significant symbol in the novel is Easter, which is a Christian holiday that symbolizes resurrection and renewal. Three of the four parts of the novel are set on the Easter weekend of 1928, and several characters experience parallels with Christ’s death and resurrection. Dilsey, the family’s maid, is also associated with Easter and is portrayed as a Christ-like figure who sacrifices herself for the sake of the family.
The Compson family’s dilapidated mansion is also a significant symbol in the novel. The mansion represents the decline of the Southern aristocracy and the decay of the Compson family. The decaying mansion serves as a metaphor for the decline of the South and the end of an era.
Finally, the sound and the fury itself are symbols in the novel. The sound represents the chaos and disorder in the Compson family, while the fury represents the anger and bitterness that the characters feel towards each other. Together, the sound and the fury symbolize the family’s dysfunction and their inability to communicate with each other.
Color Imagery in the Novel
The use of color imagery is a significant aspect of “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. The novel uses colors to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas. For instance, the color white is a recurring symbol that represents purity and innocence. Caddy, the only daughter of the Compson family, is often associated with the color white, as she is seen as the purest and most innocent member of the family.
On the other hand, the color black represents death, decay, and corruption. The character of Jason Compson is often associated with the color black, as he is seen as a corrupt and bitter person who is consumed by his own hatred. The color red is also used in the novel to symbolize passion, desire, and violence. For example, the color red is used to describe the blood that flows from Quentin’s wrist after he commits suicide.
Moreover, the color green is used to represent growth, renewal, and hope. The character of Dilsey, the Compson family’s loyal servant, is often associated with the color green, as she represents hope and renewal in a world that is filled with decay and despair. Additionally, the color blue is used to represent sadness and depression. The character of Quentin is often associated with the color blue, as he is consumed by his own sadness and despair.
Allegory of the Modernist Crisis
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner is a modernist novel that explores the crisis of modernity in the American South. The novel portrays the Compson family’s decline and the disintegration of traditional values and social structures.
Faulkner uses the Compson family as an allegory for the larger crisis of modernity in the South. The Compsons represent the old South, with its aristocratic values and hierarchical social structures. Their decline and fall symbolize the disintegration of these traditional values and the emergence of a new, modern South.
The novel’s nonlinear structure and stream-of-consciousness narrative style reflect the fragmentation and disorientation of modern life. The characters’ perspectives are disjointed and fragmented, mirroring the fractured nature of modern experience.
Faulkner’s use of symbolism and imagery further emphasizes the novel’s allegorical nature. The dilapidated Compson mansion, for example, represents the decay of traditional Southern values, while the wild and untamed nature of the Mississippi River symbolizes the chaos and uncertainty of modern life.