Rating: 
Summary: Morals and Mortals
Review: Many authors develop characters who assert the dispositions, attitudes, and beliefs of the author himself. What makes Faulkner so generous a writer is that his characters are creations, autonomous entities that have little to do with the author's philosophical or personal attachments.In "The Sound and the Fury," we hear four separate voices, that of a 33 year old idiot Benjy, a tortured intellectual Quentin, a bitter and vehement Jason, and Dilsey, a tired slave who has unwillingly taken on the burden of the fallen Compson family. These four narrrations are broken up in their respective chapters. The most difficult to read is Benjy's. Because he is retarded, his account is mostly visceral and sensatory- transfixed with the front gate of the house, the 'curling spaces' between the flowers, and the smell of his ill-fated sister Caddy. Random scenes slide in and out, only to be explained later on (a Faulkner trademark). Quentin- obsessed with his sister Caddy's sexuality (there is a stunning part where he fantasizes incest with her), guilty for attending Harvard, unresolved with his father's voice ringing in his head- kills himself. Jason is equally obsessed with Caddy's sexuality, a major theme in the book, but on a different level. He thinks she is a whore and runs her out of the Compson family when she has an illegitimate child, who she names Quentin. He spends all his energy trying to embezzle money sent by Caddy, meant for her child. Dilsey's part opens up with a cold dim morning, her stepping out onto the porch. It is the only 3rd person account, an objective resolution for the preceding three fierce confessions. The most compelling scene is that of Jason, Benjy, and Quentin looking up at Caddy, who climbed a tree to spy on the wake of a family member. Her dress is soiled with mud water, a metaphor for menstration and Caddy's sexual maturation. She is braver than the boys, and much kinder to Benjy, who continously laments her future absence. All of Faulkner's characters are either children, or about to die. Perhaps he is bored with the drone of adult life in between. He writes about moral people in immoral situations, simple people with complicated lives. Each narration is so distinct and separate, one finds it hard to believe it is all Faulkner. The characters live within the sentences- they come alive and stay in the reader's memories. However perilous Faulkner's character's lives are- the novel is redeeming- because each life trembles on, long after the book ends.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite book about dieting
Review: I recently read "The South Beach Diet," which also takes place in the South. I liked it, but the characters are SO much more interesting in the Faulkner book!
Rating:
Summary: Famous for more than just one reason
Review: In case you are one of the unlucky few that has not read THE SOUND AND THE FURY, let me tell you that you are missing one of literature's most prized works. As an English major, I have come across many "famous" novels that left me wondering what the author had to do (wink, wink) to get his/her novel well known. However, this novel is definitely not one of those. In short, Faulkner's novel is about the Compson family, composed of a mentally disabled son (Benjy) , a sexual daughter (Caddy) and granddaughter (Quentin), a suicidal son (Quentin-yes, 2 Quentins!), an uncaring and greedy son (Jason) , a drunken father, a nutty mother, and a caring servant (Dilsey) and her family. The book itself is divided into four sections-one written by Benjy, one written by Quentin (the son), one by Jason, and one by Dilsey. Faulkner incorporates a HUGE amount of symbolism in this novel (something I love). However, what makes this novel famous are Faulkner's writing techniques. The first section by Benjy is pretty darn confusing, for Benjy is mentally retarded. Benjy's thoughts cover many time lengths and flash back and forth between times without any notice or any indication. The reader must figure out when something occurs. Often, only one paragraph may take place in time A, then it will switch to time B for a page, time C for a sentence, time B for 3 pages, and so on. Mostly what triggers these time changes are words. For example, Benjy is outside and hears a golfer call to his caddie (this occurs in time A). The word "caddie" triggers a thought about Caddy, his sister, and he thinks about a time in time G when somebody called out "Caddy" and so on. It sounds pretty confusing; that's because it is. Quentin's section is composed of stream-of-consciousness, something Faulkner is famous for using. Here, you are given Quentin's thoughts only. It's pretty intense to read. The last two sections are written more normally. This book is pretty hard, I will admit. I wouldn't read it as my first Faulkner. I'd try AS I LAY DYING or SANCTUARY. I suggest getting a buddy to read it, too, so you can sort things out together or (if you must....) pick up the Cliffs Notes on it. However, don't not read this novel just because it's tough. I assure you that this book is filled with so much character depth and fascinating storyline that you won't be sorry. : )
Rating:
Summary: One of the few really great American novels
Review: Let me get one thing out of the way first: this book is not for everyone. If you like to have things explained to you, or if you don't like having to fill in gaps, don't read it. Faulkner does not stop to explain or to hold the reader's hand, and having finished the book, I can certainly understand why. That said, if you are willing to put some effort into it, this book will more than repay your investment. Once you get used to the writing style, it is tempting to read it like any other book, but if you do that you'll miss important details and nuances. Very few things Faulkner mentions are insignificant. There is one passage toward the beginning of the second chapter that's particularly difficult, but don't give up, as that chapter later contains some of the most incredibly beautiful prose I've ever seen. The sheer emotional weight of this book is tremendous, even if concealed at first. The novel is a bit easier to understand if you have a few pieces of background information. Minor spoilers follow:
1. Italics usually indicate a time shift, but there are a couple of time shifts without italics.
2. Benjy has several different caretakers: Versh when he is a small child, T.P. when he is an older boy, and Luster when he is a grown man. This is helpful for keeping track of time.
3. There are two Quentins: the narrator of the second chapter, and Caddy's daughter.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Work, Difficult to Read
Review: "The Sound and the Fury" is regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of 20th century literature, and Faulkner's work duly deserves such veneration. He has brilliantly crafted a novel illustrating the breakdown of the once eminent Compson family through the revolutionary stream-of-conscious technique. "Sound"'s inherent commentary on not just Southern tradition but the overall human experience resulted in its universal appeal. Yet, Faulkner's work is notoriously difficult to read, especially since the narration is complex and the passage of time is convuluted. The novel is divided into four sections, three of which are narrated by the three Compson brothers - Benjy, Quentin, and Jason. One common factor between the Compson brothers is their obsession for their sister, Candance (Caddy), and the changes she undergoes. The last section of the novel is narrated by an omnipresent narrator, though Dilsey, the Compson's dedicated African-American servant, is the center of focus. Each of the four sections contain a unique time passage and an overall tone that contribute to illustrating the downfall of the Compsons. The first section is told through the perspective of Benjy, an "idiot" or an adult with mental disablities. Due to the simple language and lack of time sequence, Benjy's section is regarded by many as the novel's most difficult section. Benjy's recollection of past and present events are initiated by abstract references. For example, a golf caddie reminds him of his sister "Caddy" and incidents involing her. Trying to piece together Benjy's random recollections with an appropriate time period can be quite an accomplishment. My advice to overcome this troublesome section is to read it over twice carefully. Although Quentin's section is not quite as chaotic as Benjy, it is still as difficult. Quentin's thoughts are filled with complex ideas, allusions, and symbols that are a reflection of his academic acheivement as a freshman at Harvard. Despite his success, Quentin's overall tone in the section is one of despair and failure. His obsession for Caddy's changed ways ultimately lead to his ultimate demise. My advice is to read it once for clarity of understanding his thoughts and the events he recalls. Read it again in order to understand the signficance of the allusions and symbolism. Jason's section is a relief from the first two sections of the novel because it is swift-moving and easier to understand. The main overtones of the section are Jason's hypocrisy and cruelty, which in combination together are the root of the Compsons' ultimate downfall. This section can be read carefully once in order to grasp all the significant aspects. Faulkner finally gives us some relief by narrating the last section through an outsider perspective. We finally can piece together the causes of the Compson downfall, the implications of the characters, and a greater understanding of the themes that Faulkner intends to instill in us. Dilsey is the subject of the passage as a pillar of strength during adverse conditions. This is perhaps the easiest section to read and can be fully understood in one round. Although the novel is extremely difficult and cumbersome to read, the profound message that Faulkner conveys about the human experience is a greater compensation for the misery "Sound" may put you through. No other novel has had such a deep impact on so many people. "The Sound and the Fury" will surely continue to be an influential work for times to come.
Rating:
Summary: A true masterwork
Review: This was the most fascinating novels that I have ever read, and it is also one of the best. It is one of the few novels that I can say is truly original. All of the initial confusion (its confusing all of the 1st section) that one encounters, is slowly chipped away, as Faulkner reveals all of the details of the Compson family. I will say you should be a bit educated about this book before you read it. You can find help on the internet on most William Faulkner websites. Believe me, this is a true gem in the literary world, you will be startled at the sheer genius of Faulkner the further and further you get into the book. I think everyone should read this book, I cannot praise it highly enough!
Rating:
Summary: Must reading for all...
Review: I was introduced to "Sound and Fury," and Faulkner for that matter in college. I was wholly unprepared as an average American videophile for reading on this level. Without notes I would've never made it through. But now that I've got this one under my belt, I'm infinately better for it. It truly expanded my reading capacity. I'm also better for having experienced Faulkner's story telling. The dialogue -- Benjy! -- is so very well done. I always considered Twain to be the premier Southern American novelist, but now I'd argue for Faulkner. To date, I've read this novel three times and have also read two others of Faulkner's. If you're new to Faulkner, begin here. "Sound and Fury" is a cake walk compared to "Absalom, Absalom." But once you tackle "Sound" you'll be more than able to go after anything else of Faulkner's. And you most certainly will!
Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't get into it
Review: I didn't want to read past the first chapter. I know, everyone says it gets better but even when I skipped ahead I still wasn't interested in the characters or story. Also, I hate it when characters are given the same name, especially when one is male and the other is female.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: I grow tired of people who dismiss a book simply because they cannot understand it. This book was the first William Faulkner book I ever read at fourteen, and I will admit I had some challenge. Looking back I would recommend other Faulkner's to begin with(The Unvanquished springs to mind or perhaps even As I Lay Dying). Yet, despite my hardship, it was well worth the effort. Especially the second part, it literally took my breath away with its narrative. Perhaps it is just me, but even in the hardest passages to read I was compelled by its subtle beauty and poetic strokes that I couldn't stop reading it. This book has a very definite story to it. One of dynamic tragedy, longing and desire. Every sentence fills me with an overwhelming sensation that only Faulkner can inspire. I really recommend this book to any lover of good literature. Do not listen to those who tell you its meaningless. ...
Rating:
Summary: What is Wrong with the Compson Family?
Review: ... From the opening image of some ...kid describing a golf game to the ending image of Benjy (Same Kid) being comforted by going down a familiar road, this novel is a dizzying journey to understand simply (The Reviewer laughs) What is Wrong with the Compsons? Why does their son (Quentin) brood over his sister's innocence, why does benjy cry, ... and whats the story with Caddie, possibly one of the more comlex characters in literature. (Who, Surprisingly and Not, never narrates a section)
Now, on to my rating, these ratings are based on the five aspects that make a book great, Emotional ... Philosophical ... Scholary ...Strength of Content ... Emotional: 9/10: Most emotional reactions come near the end, when you finally understand whats happened Philosophical: 5/10: Mediocre, I might have missed something, but besides some basic symbolism and the complex but flawed musings of Quetin, there aren't really any Ideas discussed Scholary: 9/10: Very Powerful symbolism to Order and Chaos, (Especially Benjy's Crying) Strength of Content: 10/10: One of those few works that creates trutly believable characters, it's insight is at most times to large to take in easy. Style: 10/10: Experimental. Perfect for the Subject, symbolic in of Itself.
| 
