π Understanding Subjectivity in Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury
Subjectivity, in the context of literature, refers to how a narrative is shaped by the personal perspectives, feelings, and experiences of the characters involved. It emphasizes that reality is perceived differently by each individual, leading to varied interpretations of events. In William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, subjectivity is a central theme, explored through the distinct and often conflicting viewpoints of the Compson family members.
π Historical and Literary Background
Faulkner's novel, published in 1929, emerged during a period of significant experimentation in modernist literature. Writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf were pushing the boundaries of narrative technique, exploring stream-of-consciousness and multiple perspectives. The Sound and the Fury is a prime example of this modernist approach, using fragmented timelines and shifting narrative voices to delve into the subjective experiences of its characters. Faulkner sought to capture the complexities of human consciousness and the disintegration of the Southern aristocracy.
π Key Principles of Subjectivity in the Novel
- π§ Multiple Narrators: The novel is divided into four sections, each narrated by a different character: Benjy, Quentin, Jason, and Dilsey. Each section offers a unique perspective on the Compson family's decline.
- β±οΈ Stream of Consciousness: Faulkner employs stream-of-consciousness, a narrative technique that mimics the flow of thoughts, feelings, and memories of the characters. This allows readers to directly experience their subjective realities.
- π Emotional Distortion: Each character's emotional state influences their perception of events. For example, Quentin's obsession with his sister Caddy shapes his distorted view of their family's past.
- 𧩠Fragmented Timeline: The nonlinear timeline reflects the way memory and subjective experience disrupt chronological order. Events are presented out of sequence, mirroring the characters' fragmented understanding of their lives.
π Real-World Examples from The Sound and the Fury
| Character |
Perspective |
Example |
| Benjy |
Non-linear, sensory-driven |
Benjy's section is characterized by its lack of coherent narrative structure, reflecting his limited cognitive abilities. He perceives the world through sounds, smells, and colors, without understanding cause and effect. His obsession with Caddy is a recurring motif, representing his longing for stability and comfort. |
| Quentin |
Intellectual, tormented |
Quentin's narrative is dominated by his preoccupation with time, honor, and his sister's lost innocence. His section is filled with flashbacks and philosophical musings, revealing his internal struggles and eventual suicide. He idealizes the past and is unable to cope with the changing world. |
| Jason |
Cynical, materialistic |
Jason's perspective is pragmatic and resentful. He is primarily concerned with money and views his family with disdain. His narrative is straightforward and unsentimental, reflecting his lack of empathy and emotional depth. He blames others for his misfortunes and seeks to control those around him. |
| Dilsey |
Compassionate, resilient |
Dilsey, the Compson family's African American servant, provides a contrasting perspective of stability and faith. Her section offers a more objective view of the family's decline, highlighting her enduring strength and compassion. She represents the moral center of the novel, offering hope amidst despair. |
π‘ Conclusion
The Sound and the Fury masterfully employs subjectivity to explore the complexities of human experience and the disintegration of a Southern family. By presenting events through the distinct perspectives of its characters, Faulkner challenges readers to question the nature of truth and the reliability of memory. The novel's fragmented narrative structure and stream-of-consciousness technique create a rich and immersive reading experience, inviting readers to piece together the story from multiple subjective viewpoints.