Describing the Obsession: William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

“The Sound and the Fury” may be regarded as a story that can not be attributed to any of the traditional plot patterns and styles. It tells the story of three brothers, their family, and their obsession with their sister in particular. The story is told from the perspective of all four, however, the time of narration differs, and this may be mentioned by style and narration changes through the novel. The aim of the paper is to analyze the attitude of Benjy and Quentin towards Caddy and analyze the language and style Faulkner uses for describing their obsession.

Analysis

First, it should be stated that style differences are stipulated by the fact, that narrators have different ages and mental development levels. Benjy is mentally disabled, and narration is performed when he is thirty-three. Quentin narrates the story when he is a Harvard student. Benjy is mainly speechless, and his obsession with Caddy is her purity and virginity. His words do not make sense; though, he feels everything that happens in the family of Compsons:

Caddy was walking. Then she was running, her book satchel swinging and jouncing behind her. “Hello, Benjy.” Caddy smelled like leaves. “Did you come to meet me.” she said. “Did you come to meet Caddy. What did you let him get his hands so cold for, Versh.” “I told him to keep them in his pockets.”

Therefore, Caddy’s love for her brother, her care, and her affection are closely linked with her sister’s feelings. In fact, this extract is an instance of internal dialogue. This represents the opportunity of a retarded person to come to reasonable conclusions, as the metaphoric representation of Benjy’s affection and obsession is regarded as a murmur of an insane person. However, such a comparison of Caddy with leaves or trees is intended for showing that Benjy is strongly devoted to Caddy, as she was the only mother for him. His sense of order changes when she becomes involved in promiscuity, and she is no longer associated with trees and leaves for him. Benjy experiences mutual feelings, though he feels that she is no longer pure. However, Faulkner’s style for showing Benjy’s obsession is based on a non-linear plot. This helps to emphasize the value of Benjy’s memories.

Quentin, in his turn, is an intelligent and very sensitive young man. His obsession with Caddy is stipulated by the traditional southern principles of morality and conduct. Therefore, all the phrases, thoughts, and recollections that are described from his point of view are full of morality:

Moving sitting still. My bowels moved for thee. One minute she was standing at the door. Benjy. Bellowing. Benjamin the child of mine old age bellowing. Caddy! Caddy! I’m going to run away. He began to cry she went and touched him. Hush. I’m not going to. Hush. He hushed. Dilsey. He smells what you tell him when he wants to. (Faulkner, 135)

Description style is quite linear, however, the stylistic features of Quentin’s narration are emphasized by his obsession to morality, and the necessity to protect Caddy from promiscuity. The simile of this extract is associated with the fact that Quentin, like Benjy, compares Cady with a mother. Quentin realizes that his mother has given him little affection, while Caddy is no longer tender and innocent like she had been before. He feels hopelessness, and the metaphoric value of this citation is covered by Quentin’s despair, while it is not shown directly. There is no dialogue, though the necessity for it is overwhelming, and it seems that Quentin is talking with his own soul, his memories and feelings, while the dialogue stays unheard, and this only aggravates the feeling of hopelessness. In general, he wishes to protect Caddy even after his death. Therefore, as it is emphasized by Singal (61):

While walking along the Charles River, plotting his own death, Quentin speaks to someone in his thoughts about being in hell. The person to whom he speaks is Caddy. He wants to take her to hell with him, where he thinks he is going after his suicide.

Character development is the factor of the novel that is closely linked with the idea development. It is hard to follow this development, as the time of narration is too narrow, and there is no opportunity to mention any changes. Therefore, it is definite that Quentin becomes even more addicted to morality, while Benjy stays the same.

The most important theme of the novel is definitely the Corruption of Southern Aristocratic Values. Therefore, the author shows the decline of a family which was noble and aristocratic in the past. However, it is clearly shown that Quentin’s morality and addition to aristocratic norms of behavior make his serious paralyzed in the society, in his studies and career. Therefore, he feels absolutely helpless.

Conclusion

“The sound and the Fury” is the novel of the complex development and degradation of the society. This may be linked with aristocracy decadence, and weakening of faith.

Works Cited

Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. Vintage. London. 1991

Singal, Daniel J. William Faulkner: The Making of a Modernist. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1997.

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Describing the Obsession: William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”

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