The Sound and the Fury Part I

Reading The Sound and the Fury is both enjoyable and frustrating. Its nice to read a book that challenges us; however, because the book is so confusing it takes a very long time just to read a little bit and even then there is the feeling of not understanding everything the way Faulkner intended.

From the first two sections it’s clear that Candance Compson (Caddy) plays a large role. She arguably is the main character in the novel even though we never hear directly from her. Falkner’s decision to not give Caddy a section to narrate is fascinating because it forces the readers to make opinions of her based on her actions and the views of others around her. From her childhood, Caddy’s interactions with the family suggest her nature as she grows older. She cares for Benjamin Compson (Benjy) at a young age, essentially doing the job her mother should be doing. Benjy forges a relationship with Caddy that becomes problematic as Caddy grows older. When Caddy gets her undergarments muddy and takes off her dress, Quentin Compson tries to force Caddy to put her dress back on. This signifies the beginning of Quentin’s attempts to conform Caddy to the traditional Southern values. Since Caddy’s relationship is close to both Benjy and Quentin, she dominates their thoughts. Caddy’s growing up presents a problem to both Benjy and Quentin though for different reasons. As Caddy grows up, it means she has less time to spend with Benjy. Also, Caddy’s maturation conflicts with Quentin’s ideals for her because her promiscuity leads her to make several choices Quentin does not agree with. One symbol that seems to follow Caddy around everywhere is water. Water traditionally symbolizes purity, and it’s ironic to juxtapose the water against Caddy. Caddy’s troubles start off when she enters the water against her brother’s orders. In addition, she is able to successfully use water to rub off her perfume and her kiss to appease Benjy. Losing her virginity is a turning point. She is not able to simply “wash away” her sin and eventually runs away to the river lying down where it all began for the reader. In effect, her life has taken a full circle and landed right back in the same spot though under much different circumstances.

Faulkner intended for each reader to have to make their own opinion on Caddy. She seems disillusioned with the crumbling world in which she lives in, and I do not blame her. Her mother is a selfish, hypochondriac and her father is too weak to do anything but drink. She tries to escape the false sense of pride and superficiality of the era through any means possible, even at the expense of Benjy and Quentin. It is unfortunate that she is forced to make a compromise and marry the conniving Sydney Herbert Head. In the end she is not strong enough to totally leave her family, but losing her virginity planted the seeds of disillusionment which ultimately finish up whatever was left of the once proud Compson family. I am interested to get the full picture of Caddy through the views of Jason and Dilsey and wrap up the loose ends surrounding her.

(535)