The strength in a novel lies in its originality. In saying this, that uniqueness may be found in the context of the novel, and the style in which the novel was written. Upon the conclusion of William Faulkner’s The Sound and The Fury, I can confidently state that the study of this novel has intrigued, impressed and overall, developed my appreciation for diverse pieces of literature. Faulkner opened my eyes to various narrative techniques, and eloquent vocabulary. His works are not to be read analytically, and interpreted with ease. Reading this novel has revealed the diverse ways in which the plot of a novel can unfold through multiple perspectives, motifs, and literary techniques. The modernity of this novel’s structure, and Faulkner’s fluency in various writing styles is what, in my opinion, what makes this novel a great classic.
The story line is simplistic. It is the way in which Faulkner arranges the sequences, scenes and sections as a whole that demand primary attention. The context of the novel cannot be understood until the style of writing is grasped. Consequently forcing the reader to question the various continuums of time and the importance in the arrangement of events. Reading a novel to the degree of difficulty that The Sound and The Fury presented has encouraged me to explore a greater diversity of literary styles. I no longer seek the simple unfulfilling romance novel, but rather strive for a novel of equal brilliance and complexity as The Sound and The Fury. Although difficulties in understanding did amount throughout the beginning of the novel, they were soon relieved as the plot unraveled and I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique. Through perseverance, my knowledge of literary forms has expanded and I have learned to not discard a book simply because it is challenging.
I would distinguish The Sound and The Fury as a classic tragedy. It embodies all the proportions of great tragedy, such as an inevitable downfall by the protagonist of the novel. Faulkner’s unique novel structure and style of writing further advanced me intellectually through a new literary experience. I have now learned to inquire further than the obvious series of events that each story line presents, and rather to analyze the value behind each event. I am now more willing to examine and scrutinize each character, and point of crisis to find the underlying essence of each novel, and to experience each page rather than to simply read it.
