83 pages • 2 hours read
The Sound and the Fury
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Book Brief
326
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1920s
1929
Adult
18+ years
800L
Super Short Summary
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner depicts the decline of the once-prominent Southern Compson family through the perspectives of three brothers—Benjy, Quentin, and Jason—and an omniscient narrator focusing on the housekeeper, Dilsey. The non-linear narrative reveals their struggles with change in the Old South, centering around their sister Caddy's defiance of traditional values. The novel includes racially-offensive and sexist language, as well as depictions of death by suicide, alcohol use disorder, incest, and mental disability.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Dark
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
188,340 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury is lauded for its innovative narrative structure and profound psychological depth. Many praise its rich, complex storytelling, though some find its fragmented, nonlinear approach challenging. The novel’s exploration of a Southern family’s downfall offers both poignancy and intense character study, making it a standout yet demanding read.
Who Should Read The Sound and the Fury?
A reader who enjoys complex narratives, stream-of-consciousness style, and exploring themes of family, time, and the human condition would find The Sound and the Fury captivating. Fans of James Joyce's Ulysses or Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse will appreciate Faulkner's intricate prose and deep psychological insight.
188,340 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Quentin Compson
Quentin Compson
The eldest Compson sibling, Quentin is a sensitive and introspective character who struggles to uphold his family’s expectations. He is deeply affected by his sister Caddy's actions and the obligations placed upon him.
Jason Compson
Jason Compson
Jason is the middle Compson brother known for his bitterness and resentful nature. He assumes responsibility for the household but engages in unethical and cruel behavior.
Caddy Compson
Caddy Compson
Caddy is the free-spirited and independent-minded sister of the Compson family. Though she does not have her own narrative voice, she is a central figure whose actions influence her brothers' lives and the family dynamics.
326
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1920s
1929
Adult
18+ years
800L
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