Vladimir Nabokov's assessment of William Faulkner as a writer of "corncobby chronicles" and the dismissal of his works as masterpieces was a rather harsh critique. However, Nabokov was known for his prickly nature as a critic, often targeting Nobel Prize winners like Hemingway, Thomas Mann, Albert Camus, and of course, Faulkner.

The Russian polyglot didn't always provide solid reasons for his dislike of these authors. His comments on Camus, for instance, were simply "I dislike him." He also derided fellow Russian luminaries like Dostoevsky and Gogol. So, one has to take Nabokov's insults with a grain of salt.

Despite Nabokov's criticism, "The Sound and the Fury" is indeed a masterpiece. It is lauded for its innovation but also often challenging for readers. The book is split into four sections, each hearkening back to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. The writing style varies, from the tumultuous Winter of Benji's disoriented narration to the ruminative Spring of Quentin's college perspective, the harsh Summer of Jason IV's bitterness, and the lucid decay of Autumn in the third-person narration.

The story follows the Compson family, with well-developed characters like Benji, Quentin, Candace, Jason IV, and many others. The use of southern dialect and unique spelling add to the authenticity of the setting. Faulkner explores themes like incest, betrayal, revenge, and the decline of a once-powerful southern family in a post-Civil War world.

The book is filled with clever pessimistic metaphors and nihilistic views. Faulkner seems to believe that the odds are stacked against humanity, and the world shows no pity for our despair and sorrow. Yet, there are glimmers of hope, like Dilsey, who represents a bit of redemption. Overall, "The Sound and the Fury" is a complex and profound work that showcases Faulkner's literary genius.

Reading certain books can be an arduous task, much like the struggle of clambering through a barbed wire fence at the bottom of a swamp while your oxygen tank is on the verge of running out. And this particular book is precisely one of those. When you finally manage to complete it, you look around, half-expecting someone to take notice and rush up to you with the medal and citation that you most definitely deserve for your services to literature. You've finished it! Hurray! However, no one does. And if you attempt to explain to your family, "Hey, wow, I finished The Sound and the Fury. Man, that was so difficult. Wow, my brain feels like it's been permanently rearranged. That Faulkner, what a writer!" they simply smile placatingly and open another tin of gunk for the cat.

It seems that the significance of your literary achievement is lost on those around you. You pour your heart and soul into understanding the complex prose and themes, only to be met with indifference. But perhaps that's the nature of reading such challenging works. It's a solitary pursuit, a journey that only you can take. And even if no one else recognizes your accomplishment, the experience of having delved into the mind of a great writer like Faulkner is reward enough.

So, the next time you finish a difficult book, don't be disheartened if no one gives you the recognition you think you deserve. Instead, take pride in the fact that you've pushed yourself and expanded your literary horizons. And who knows, maybe one day, someone will ask you about that book you struggled through, and you'll be able to share your insights and experiences with them.

For those familiar with the cliched popular literary constructs of the Hollywood style, this is a unique classic that they may struggle to read. With its distinct plot, style, and the psychological portrayals of the characters, it initially challenges the reader. But then, like cracking open the shell of a fruit and discovering its delicious interior, this book rewards the reader with a treasure. The part that affected me the most was the section on June 2, 1910.

Here is an excerpt from the first part:

"It smelled like trees. It was dark in the corner but I could see the window. I crouched there, with my shoe in my hand. I couldn't see, but my hands could see the shoe, I could hear it pressing on the night, and my hands could see the shoe, I was crouched there, listening to the darkness." (p. 64)

I must mention how successful the sensory descriptions are. After the section on April 6, 1928, the style turns a bit more classic, and it seems that this and the subsequent sections are written more for the purpose of describing and supporting what happened in the past. In fact, Faulkner must have felt this deficiency as he wrote another text titled "Appendix" to "The Sound and the Fury".

Reading this book in its original language has become one of my life goals.

Note: The fact that the translator of this book, Rasih Güran, committed suicide added a particular sadness to my reading.

M. Baran

June 22, 2015

“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To the last syllable of recorded time,

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more: it is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing.”

\\tShakespeare, Macbeth

This quote from Shakespeare is one of my favorites, and it belongs to one of my favorite scenes in all of his plays. It beautifully captures the fleeting nature of life and the sense of futility that can sometimes overtake us.

William Faulkner was inspired by this quote to create the title of his 1929 stream of consciousness masterpiece. The novel tells the story of the Compson family, once proud and respected but now in disrepute. It can also be seen as an allegory about the South after Reconstruction, and is regarded as one of the principal Southern Gothic novels.

I have tried to read this book several times, but the stream of consciousness narrative can be intimidating. Like Joyce, Faulkner demands a lot from his readers, and it can be very difficult to follow. However, this time I was able to get past the opening section and discovered a wealth of literary genius in the pages that followed.

The book is divided into four sections, each presenting a different perspective on the Compson family over a period of about thirty years. The first section is from the point of view of Benjy Compson, an intellectually disabled adult, as he experiences a day in 1928 and recalls memories of his childhood.

The second section is from the perspective of Quentin, who is at Harvard in 1910 and also reflects on his earlier life. Quentin is obsessed with his younger sister Candace and her virtue, while Candace herself wants to break free from the constraints of her family and society.

Faulkner considered Caddie to be the true heroine of the novel, yet there is no section dedicated to her. We see her through the eyes of her family, with Benjy seeing her as the only one who shows him genuine affection, while the others view her as a wayward woman and an embarrassment. Critics have debated the meaning of Faulkner's decision not to give her a voice, and I believe he was making a statement about the lack of agency for women during that time.

Racism is also a prominent theme in the novel. Faulkner presents a brutally honest portrayal of 1929 Mississippi, with the white Compson family expecting a caste system where they are at the top, despite their own diminished socioeconomic status. Jason Compson, in particular, embodies the bigotry and hypocrisy of the time.

The final section is not in stream of consciousness but is instead an omnipresent narration centered on Dilsy, the matriarch of the servants. Dilsy is the only likeable character in the novel, and her strong faith helps her endure the daily indignities she faces in the Compson household.

Overall, this is an excellent example of stream of consciousness prose and a fine Southern Gothic novel. However, it is not for everyone. Faulkner's writing is brilliant but extremely challenging, and it may not be suitable for those who are easily offended by social justice issues. Nevertheless, it is an important work of literature that should be read for its insights into human nature and the South during a particular period in history. Faulkner's influence on American and South American literature is undeniable, and this novel serves as a testament to his literary genius.

This book has been sitting on my shelves for a considerable number of years.

And now, I have finally managed to get around to actually reading it. However, it has turned out to be no easygoing task.

The numerous streams of consciousness within the book make it extremely difficult to follow.

I'm not entirely sure what to think of it at the moment.

Perhaps, when I am older and have more life experiences, I will have to read it again.

Maybe then, I will be able to better understand and appreciate the deeper meanings and nuances that are currently eluding me.

For now, I will just have to put it aside and wait for that future opportunity to revisit this challenging yet potentially rewarding literary work.

Southern Gothic is one of my favorite genres.

The story of the Compson family is told through four distinct perspectives. Each perspective uniquely reveals themes of loss, madness, and decay.

In The Sound and the Fury, the stream of consciousness, with its abrupt interruptions by fragmented thoughts, initially creates confusion. However, it ultimately deepens your understanding of the characters' inner worlds.

Faulkner masterfully employs this technique to convey the chaos of perception and the fragmentation of time. This creates an immersive experience within the characters' minds.

The novel challenges the traditional gravitational pull of narrative, resulting in an absolutely staggering effect. And I find it brilliant.

PS: I'm adding this two days later. I'm still thinking about this novel. I'm so drawn to all this Southern Gothic. There are family skeletons in the closets, this chaos, the decay and collapse of aristocracy.

I love getting stuck in this postmodern mire, piecing together fragments of other people's thoughts and giving them a fragmented meaning in my bipolar mind.

"As I Lay Dying" presents the disintegration of a wealthy American family from the southern states in the early 20th century. William Faulkner offers their dramatic story in an unusual way, which is sometimes difficult to understand but poses important life questions and definitely deserves to be read! The title of the book is a reference to Shakespeare's "Macbeth". The plot consists of 4 parts, with 3 of them being told from the perspective of the three Compson brothers, each of whom is strange in his own way, and the last one is told from a third-person point of view.

"As I Lay Dying" begins with the chaotic story of Benjy, who is mentally handicapped. Then the action goes back several years and now presents the perspective of Quentin, who is sent to study at Harvard but is a tragic character and commits suicide at a young age. And in the third part, we once again delve into 1928, and this time the main hero is Jason, who works and financially sustains the family but has also become a rather malicious and aggressive person. In the last part, we observe from the side the dark and tense atmosphere at the Compson household, and the way of life of the loyal servant Dilsey and other black workers is interestingly told. They maintain their rational and normal life against the backdrop of the moral decline of the host family.

This novel is a complex and thought-provoking work that explores themes such as family, morality, and the human condition. It challenges the reader to think deeply about these issues and offers a unique perspective on the South during a particular time period.

Everyone Else: "This is the greatest book ever!!!!'
Me: "Yeah, well, I hated it. I respect the fact that you like it, Everyone Else, but I felt that it was pretentious nonsense written by an alcoholic early 20th century edgelord."
Everyone Else: "Maybe you just didn't understand it."
Me: "No, I understood it. I re-read parts I didn't quite understand, and I even had Cliffnotes and SparkNotes to help me out. I still hated it. In fact, understanding it better probably made me hate it more because I better realized how much pointless nonsense it was."
Everyone Else: "But, it's written is such a different style than anything else!"
Me: "That doesn't necessarily make it great. I mean, I can string a bunch of random words and ideas together, too. Can I have my Nobel Prize now?"
Everyone Else: "Ok, but what about the (*eyes get large and glassy like a cartoon character*) metaphors...."
Me: "yeah, the metaphor is definitely a literary technique that exists..."
Everyone Else: "But this book has them!!!!!!"
Me: "Mhm."
Everyone Else: "....."
Me: "....."
Everyone Else: "Meta..."
Me: "Ok, I'm going to leave now."
Everyone Else: *voice begins getting fainter in the background as I walk away* "You see, he put things in there that represent other things...."

It seems that the debate between me and Everyone Else about this book will never end. They are completely convinced that it is the greatest book ever, while I firmly believe it is nothing but pretentious nonsense. I have tried to explain my perspective, but they just keep coming up with the same arguments. The style may be different, but that doesn't mean it's good. And just because there are metaphors doesn't make it a masterpiece. I'm tired of this discussion and I'm ready to move on. Maybe one day, Everyone Else will see the book the way I do. But for now, I'm happy to walk away and find a book that I actually enjoy reading.

Yes.

Sitting in the office, the thought of this book brings back memories of a drowsy afternoon during my early twenties. I was in my bedroom at my ancestral home in Thrissur. The house had cavernous rooms and a musty attic with the smell of toddy-cat urine. The East Wind blew in through the windows as I read this novel. I couldn't make head or tail out of it, just like I'm struggling now with an engineering proposal.

Yet, I plodded on and on, dragged in by the strange beauty of William Faulkener's prose. As the afternoon turned into evening, the geckos started chirruping among the eaves and my Grandma called me again and again for tea. I still plodded on as the twilight slanted in at the windows. I remember the dust motes changing their colour and the smell of the night flowers adding their fragrance to the tale of Jason and Quentin and Benjy.

Yes, I remember that vividly. It was a moment when the beauty of literature intertwined with the simple pleasures of home and the passage of time. It was a memory that has stayed with me and influenced my appreciation for the written word.

Many writers played with time in their books, but only Faulkner was able to break free from the stress!
"Sartoris"
___________
O Lord, Thou art the most merciful and kind God. All praise, glory, honor, and thanks be to Thee. I praise Thee, O Lord, and all Thy creations, especially my brother the sun, who brings us the day and the light...
I praise Thee, O Lord, for my sister the moon and for the stars... I praise Thee, O Lord, for my brother the wind and for the air and clouds... I praise Thee, O Lord, for my sister the water... I praise Thee, O Lord, for my brother the fire, which gives us light in the darkness, and is bright, beloved, and very powerful and strong... I praise Thee, O Lord, for my mother the earth, which gives us our daily bread... I praise Thee, O Lord, for all those who, out of love for Thee, give to one another and endure hardships and suffering... Blessed are those who persevere, for Thou, being above all, wilt give them a crown...
I praise Thee, O Lord, for my sister Death, from whose hands no one can escape. Woe to him who dies in great sin... Blessed are those who walk in Thy holy will, for the second death shall have no power over them...
*************
I really liked this book. But I would never recommend it to anyone or entrust it to them, because I don't want anyone to slander this book out of misunderstanding.
This book is definitely difficult, perhaps the most difficult of a lifetime for an average reader like myself. But it doesn't mean it's uninteresting. It has to be read with patience and attention, and one must pay attention to it and definitely read the interpretations of the symbols that are present in it. Fortunately, in this translation, there are some articles at the end of the book that help a lot in understanding the book.
If anyone hasn't read the book yet, this explanation before reading will definitely prevent confusion and frustration, because each chapter of the book has a direct connection with the psychological and spiritual states of the narrator of that chapter. For more explanations, I refer to the complete review of my friend Seyyed on this very book.

Shh! After three years, I looked at my own review and it seems like I wrote it in a hurry. Of course, my opinion about it hasn't changed, but I have no idea why I wrote the second part there.

This book, "Sartoris," by Faulkner, is a complex and challenging work. It requires careful reading and attention to detail. The language is rich and the themes are profound. The author's use of time and his exploration of the human psyche make this book a unique and thought-provoking read.

While it may be difficult for some readers, those who are willing to invest the time and effort will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the human condition. The articles at the end of the translation provide valuable insights and help to clarify some of the more difficult passages.

Overall, "Sartoris" is a book that I would highly recommend to those who are looking for a challenging and rewarding literary experience. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

One. Anger and Fury is a tough read. Especially in the first and second parts. It requires patience. It's not a book you pick up to make your eyes heavy and fall asleep. To be honest, I cheated and read about the story and its characters. When the plot became a bit clearer to me, reading the book became a bit easier but not more enjoyable. Anger and Fury was not a book that I took pleasure in and was eager to continue. In the middle of the second part, I wanted to give up on the book, but I resisted with difficulty and continued. My suggestion is: if you start reading the book and nothing catches your attention until the middle of the second part, read about the story itself until the plot and the relationships between the characters become a bit clearer to you.

Two. In terms of technique and even the characters themselves, Anger and Fury was very similar to The Symphonies of the Dead. As many others have also said about this similarity. A sister who has left home, a brother who commits suicide, and that one brother who follows in his father's footsteps. I think I took pleasure in The Symphonies of the Dead because its story was more engaging and understandable. To be honest, my heart has never been pure when it comes to American literature.

Three. I read the translation by Bahman Shahrvar. It was bad. Many of the sentences didn't fit the context of the story and it was obvious that there was a mistake in it. Let's pass over the fact that in many places the translation was word-for-word and not properly translated into Persian. Another thing I want to say about the translation is that it requires a bit of mental effort. The name of one of the brothers is Jason, which is usually translated as Jayson, but in the book it is translated as Jasun, which is very unappealing. I don't think I'll go back to Faulkner anytime soon. I need to read something that I can easily pick up and put down.

Nowruz 2020, the Corona Nowruz.

The book in which Faulkner achieved a breakthrough as a thoroughly modern writer, while also firmly lodging himself in the Southern Gothic literary tradition, is a complex and multi-faceted work. Many reviewers had diverse opinions, with some liking it and others deeming it worthless. However, once the academics began to study it, its reputation started to rise. They recognized in it a quintessentially American and Southern example of the Modern stream of consciousness narrative, similar to that pioneered by Joyce and Woolf on the other side of the Atlantic. By the time Faulkner received his Nobel Prize in 1949, he and his greatest novels, including this one, had taken their place in the pantheon of the century's greatest works in English.

The novel is not an easy read, but Faulkner later wrote an appendix for inclusion in the Portable Faulkner, which makes the task much easier. This appendix helps new readers of his prose, especially of the great novels, to make progress in understanding the story that spans all or most of his books. The story is set in the imaginary county of Yoknapatawpha in Mississippi, named by its creator from two Chickasaw words, and the imaginary town of Jefferson within it. Although both the county and the town can be traced to Lafayette County and its county seat of Oxford by location and more than just location.

The characters in the novel are rich and diverse. In the aforementioned Appendix, Faulkner wrote about characters like Ikkemotubbe and Jackson, who also have a place in the long story that stretches from 1699 to 1945. More importantly, there are the Compsons, including Quentin MacLachan, Charles Stuart, Jason Lycurgus, and moving closer to the time of telling, Jason III and his offspring Quentin III who went to Harvard, Candace (Caddy) the daughter and mother, Jason IV the son, and Benjamin the last son first named Maury. There are also those who are not Compsons, like the black characters TP, Frony, Luster, and especially Dilsey, of whom Faulkner simply says "they endured".

a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing. William Shakespeare