The Sound and the Fury is a 1929 novel by William Faulkner, one of the most influential American novelists of the twentieth century This novel tells the story of the Compson family over the course of four distinct and alternating perspectives. The novel is considered one of Faulkner's best and a classic of modernist literature, with its non-linear plot, stream of consciousness style and frequent use of interior monologues of the characters. This makes the novel a challenging but very rewarding reading experience.
When writing about The Sound and the Fury, one can study a variety of topics. Here are five interesting ideas for an essay related to this classic novel:
1. Exploring the Role of Time in the Narrative - The novel is structured around the linearity of time, with each chapter being separated by several days or weeks at a time. This helps emphasize the changes in the characters over the course of time. How does time shape the narrative of The Sound and the Fury? What is the significance of the different time periods in the novel?
2. Analyzing the Character of Benjy - Benjy is the protagonist of The Sound and the Fury, a mentally impaired man whose perspective is the first of the novel's four sections. How do the other characters shape Benjy's identity? How do his own decisions and experiences contribute to the story?
3. Examining the Relevance of Religion - Religion is a major theme in the novel, with several of the characters being devout religious followers or passionate churchgoers. How does religion affect the characters' lives? Is there a message about religion in The Sound and the Fury?
4. Analyzing the Significance of the Color Red - The color red is used as a motif throughout the novel, often connected to the deep emotional experiences that the characters go through. What is its symbolic significance? What kind of effect does it have on the characters and their decisions?
5. Considering the Theme of Family - Family is one of the main driving forces in the novel, as the characters are often defined by their relationships and experiences within their family. What meaning does family play in The Sound and the Fury? What themes about family does Faulkner explore in the novel?