The Sound and the Fury In-Depth Playlist: ruclips.net/video/ekpYIfRGqKw/видео.html Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thecodexcantina Table of Contents: 0:00 Introductions 5:19 The Past 9:55 The Present 23:41 The Future
My absolute favorite all time Faulkner quote comes from Quentin's section: "I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire...I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools." I know Easter plays a prominent role in this novel, but I never noticed the strong parallels between each of the characters and the life of Christ before now. Benjy - the muddy years of Christ's youth that we do not know much about Quentin - The ministry of Christ and his crucifixion Jason/Miss Quentin - the three days on earth without Christ (lawless/hopeless/meaningless) Dilsey - the resurrection and the return of hope Maybe I'm way off here, but that's why I love this channel. You two always give me something to ponder over and see things from new perspectives. As always, another job well done!
Yeah, I wouldn't say you're far off in that interpretation from what I would have done. Faulkner specifically lined up the dates for a reason. I suspect we'll return at some point in our life for this novel. I want to save a Religious and maybe Greek video for when we return to it.
I’m an English grad student studying The Sound & the Fury, and I’ve been in dire need of supplementary materials to help me understand this text better…so I’m incredibly glad I stumbled across you all. This series is super accessible, and I love your easy-to-follow dialogue with each other. Your videos are helping fill in the gaps not covered by my prof’s lectures & my own analysis. I can’t thank you enough for that, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of your channel in the future.😄
Y'all are helping me with my AP Lit research paper so much! I had to pick two books from two separate large lists and compare them in a multi-genre framework essay, and I chose Isabelle Allende's "The House of the Spirits" as well as "The Sound and the Fury."
Robt Penn Warren has a great old essay on "Faulkner: Past & Future" in the Norton Critical edition btw . . . Great analysis of Quentin and symbolism thru out the novel w sexuality.
I like this channel. Faulkner’s novels are difficult to understand but I like to read not skip any part. If it would be provided this channel translate to korean viewers would be much apprecited.
Really enjoyed your discussion on time, as it presents in The Sound and the Fury. Nice work. Lots to consider and re-hash. But very inspiring and exciting. Thanks.
During these days of political "ideological" wars, these videos on literature help me to think and chew on life and living. Been 40 years since I read Faulkner in AP English. I love the format of two guys, two personalities, bringing depth to thinking (rather than smokescreens)
This is an insanely involved story. The video on Benjy, I didn't think it would be one I would enjoy. This breakdown of 2&3 has my curiosity piqued because I'm fascinated with the same story from 4 perspectives. I wonder what I'd think in regards to how time passing is shown or if I'd be influenced by this analysis? Hmm.
Another excellent break down of the this book. I will have to read the book again now. Your discussion here about Quentin's section and water as a symbol of innocence or redemption reminded me of part of the ceremony the British Navy used when burying some one at sea: "WE therefore commit his body to the deep, to be turned into corruption, looking for the resurrection of the body, (when the Sea shall give up her dead,) and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who at his coming shall change our vile body, that it may be like his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself."
"Past as parasite" is a scary idea! But very true- dwelling on the past instead of moving forward will absolutely steal your future. I love the symbol of Benjy's disintegration mirroring that of the South. Faulkner uses metaphors way more skillfully than most writers. It's super impressive. Nice timeline graphic! Very helpful.
24:12 You have the most control over the Present. Look at how many people put stuff off. There ya go. So, somehow the future is going to be different/better by procrastination...?
If you want to understand the book and Benji as well as his family you need to understand the Macbeth soliloquy where Faulkner got the title. You need to ask, Who is the “idiot” telling the tale?-Benji, Father, Quinton or Jason? The Father’s nihilistic musings on the meaning of life and time helps drive the Quinton section. The Father has certainly bought into Macbeth’s distillation of the meaning of life as being devoid of meaning. Quinton believes Caddy’s loss of virginity is so monumental that he wants to consign them both to Hell by an act of incest. The Father counsels him that virginity is a meaningless conceit created by men as are all facets of life. Dilsey is the only counterpoint to the nihilism that saturates this novel-the fact that the Christian sermon appears in the section focused on her is not without meaning. It is brilliant; it will be forever relevant; and, it is terrifying (as is Macbeth, especially the “Out, out brief candle” soliloquy .
Do we know the date on Caddy's divorce. I feel like Quentin's suicide cause the divorce. I had the best time with Quentin's part just because of his constant introspection. Jason just felt like an a-hole. I could totally see Jason as an incest baby. I saw a study where a common side effect of incest were mental illness and fanaticism. He shows those traits for sure. Great time breakdown guys.
Rajathon Divorce was 1911 if you want to believe the appendix (written many years after publication and has several issue with how well it lines up with actual book; still accepted as canon and studied)
Introduction William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury is a landmark in modernist literature, renowned for its intricate narrative structure and experimental approach to time. The novel delves deep into the consciousness of its characters, portraying time not as a linear sequence but as a fluid and subjective experience. This representation aligns closely with the philosophical theories of Henri Bergson, who emphasized the concept of “duration” and the inner experience of time. Representation of Time in The Sound and the Fury 1. Stream of Consciousness Technique: • Benjy’s Section: • The first section is narrated by Benjy, a mentally disabled man who experiences time non-linearly. • His narrative shifts abruptly between past and present without clear transitions. • Memories are triggered by sensory experiences, reflecting how past events continuously intrude upon his present. • Quentin’s Section: • Quentin, obsessed with his sister Caddy and the decay of Southern values, experiences time as a tormenting continuum. • His narrative is fragmented, mirroring his mental disintegration and inability to escape the past. • Jason’s Section: • Jason’s narrative is more linear but is steeped in bitterness and resentment rooted in past events. • Time, for him, is a source of frustration as he feels trapped by circumstances beyond his control. 2. Non-linear Narrative Structure: • The novel is divided into four sections, each offering different perspectives and timeframes. • The disjointed chronology challenges readers to piece together the narrative, reflecting the complexity of time’s passage in human consciousness. • This structure emphasizes the relativity of time, showing how each character’s perception shapes their reality. 3. Symbolism of Timepieces: • Clocks and watches recur as symbols throughout the novel. • Quentin’s fixation on his watch and eventual destruction of it signifies his desire to stop time and escape its relentless progression. • Timepieces represent the mechanical, objective measure of time, which contrasts with the subjective experiences of the characters. Influence of Bergson’s Theories Henri Bergson, a French philosopher, proposed influential ideas about time and consciousness that resonate with Faulkner’s narrative techniques. 1. Concept of Duration (La Durée): • Bergson’s idea of “duration” refers to time as it is subjectively experienced, a continuous flow rather than a series of separate moments. • In the novel, characters like Benjy and Quentin experience time as an indivisible flow, where past and present coexist. • This aligns with Bergson’s view that true time (duration) is qualitative and cannot be quantified or segmented. 2. Memory and Consciousness: • Bergson posited that memory is an active force that blends with present consciousness, affecting how time is perceived. • Benjy’s narrative illustrates this as his memories are inseparable from his present experiences. • Quentin’s obsessive recollections demonstrate how memory distorts his perception of reality and time. 3. Rejection of Mechanistic Time: • Bergson criticized the mechanistic view of time measured by clocks, arguing it fails to capture the essence of human experience. • Faulkner mirrors this critique through characters’ struggles with timepieces, symbolizing the inadequacy of objective time to encompass subjective reality. • Quentin’s destruction of his watch represents a rejection of imposed temporal structures in favor of personal experience. 4. Intuition Over Intellect: • Bergson emphasized intuition as a means to grasp the flow of duration, suggesting that intellect breaks time into artificial segments. • Faulkner’s use of stream of consciousness requires readers to engage intuitively with the narrative. • The fragmented and overlapping timelines encourage an immersive experience, reflecting the intuitive perception of time. Conclusion In The Sound and the Fury, Faulkner transcends conventional storytelling by intricately weaving time into the fabric of his characters’ inner lives. The novel’s portrayal of time as a subjective, fluid experience is profoundly influenced by Bergson’s philosophical theories. By emphasizing duration, memory, and intuition, Faulkner not only challenges readers to reconsider the nature of time but also delves into the complexities of human consciousness. The interplay between Faulkner’s narrative techniques and Bergson’s ideas creates a rich tapestry that explores the depths of temporal experience and its impact on identity and reality. References • Bergson, Henri. Time and Free Will: An Essay on the Immediate Data of Consciousness. 1889. • Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. 1929. • Sartre, Jean-Paul. “On The Sound and the Fury: Time in the Work of Faulkner.” Literary and Philosophical Essays, 1947.
The Sound and the Fury In-Depth Playlist: ruclips.net/video/ekpYIfRGqKw/видео.html
Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thecodexcantina
Table of Contents:
0:00 Introductions
5:19 The Past
9:55 The Present
23:41 The Future
Thanks for watching!
great analysis! Im so glad i came across this channel
Welcome aboard!
My absolute favorite all time Faulkner quote comes from Quentin's section: "I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire...I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools."
I know Easter plays a prominent role in this novel, but I never noticed the strong parallels between each of the characters and the life of Christ before now.
Benjy - the muddy years of Christ's youth that we do not know much about
Quentin - The ministry of Christ and his crucifixion
Jason/Miss Quentin - the three days on earth without Christ (lawless/hopeless/meaningless)
Dilsey - the resurrection and the return of hope
Maybe I'm way off here, but that's why I love this channel. You two always give me something to ponder over and see things from new perspectives. As always, another job well done!
Yeah, I wouldn't say you're far off in that interpretation from what I would have done. Faulkner specifically lined up the dates for a reason. I suspect we'll return at some point in our life for this novel. I want to save a Religious and maybe Greek video for when we return to it.
Greetings from Mexico City! Great analysis! I am sociologist PhD and I am interested in this south culture from XX century American literature.
The two of you have done an awesome job, covering basically all the world's literature. Never seen anything like that before. Thank you very much.
🙏 you are very kind
I’m an English grad student studying The Sound & the Fury, and I’ve been in dire need of supplementary materials to help me understand this text better…so I’m incredibly glad I stumbled across you all. This series is super accessible, and I love your easy-to-follow dialogue with each other. Your videos are helping fill in the gaps not covered by my prof’s lectures & my own analysis. I can’t thank you enough for that, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of your channel in the future.😄
Glad we could fulfill a roles, and yes, I spent a lot of time trying to be accessible on Faulkner so this was wonderful to hear. Thank you.
Thank you for helping me enjoy an amazing book. I wouldn't have persevered with the book if it had not been for your guidance
These are the comments that make it worth it! Glad you could make it through it
Y'all are helping me with my AP Lit research paper so much! I had to pick two books from two separate large lists and compare them in a multi-genre framework essay, and I chose Isabelle Allende's "The House of the Spirits" as well as "The Sound and the Fury."
Oh that sounds like a fun challenge! Best of luck
Robt Penn Warren has a great old essay on "Faulkner: Past & Future" in the Norton Critical edition btw . . . Great analysis of Quentin and symbolism thru out the novel w sexuality.
Big Hard Books & Classics I’ll have to check it out some day!
I like this channel. Faulkner’s novels are difficult to understand but I like to read not skip any part. If it would be provided this channel translate to korean viewers would be much apprecited.
Really enjoyed your discussion on time, as it presents in The Sound and the Fury. Nice work. Lots to consider and re-hash. But very inspiring and exciting. Thanks.
🙏
Luv this analysis. My favourite scene is where Quentin sees the slave on the train.
During these days of political "ideological" wars, these videos on literature help me to think and chew on life and living. Been 40 years since I read Faulkner in AP English. I love the format of two guys, two personalities, bringing depth to thinking (rather than smokescreens)
🙏
I can't believe you brought up that Ted Chiang story, literally exactly what i have been thinking while reading the Benjy section.
So glad I'm not the only one!
@@TheCodeXCantina What did you think of the movie? Arrival, I mean.
@@erichaynes4049 It was one of my favorites of the year. I saw the movie before reading the story.
This is an insanely involved story. The video on Benjy, I didn't think it would be one I would enjoy. This breakdown of 2&3 has my curiosity piqued because I'm fascinated with the same story from 4 perspectives.
I wonder what I'd think in regards to how time passing is shown or if I'd be influenced by this analysis? Hmm.
It is indeed very involved. Not many stories like it
These boys deserve both link and subscribe.
Very kind.
beautiful analysis
You're great guys. Thank you for the work you did for this beatiful novel, i'm glad i came across your channel
Our pleasure!
Another excellent break down of the this book. I will have to read the book again now.
Your discussion here about Quentin's section and water as a symbol of innocence or redemption reminded me of part of the ceremony the British Navy used when burying some one at sea:
"WE therefore commit his body to the deep, to be turned into corruption, looking for the resurrection of the body, (when the Sea shall give up her dead,) and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who at his coming shall change our vile body, that it may be like his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself."
Oh that’s interesting. Thanks for sharing
Guys, you are insanely good at analysing faulkner's novels.
🙏
Superb discussion.
Kind of you to watch and comment.
Bros. Some parts of Jason’s narration…. Had me 😂. cracking’ up
Very cool!
'Peace and War', yes!! May I suggest Balzac's 'Madame Bovary' ;) ...Thanks a lot for your incredible, interesting, professional and humorous work!
Oh yes, I’d like to get to that. Thanks for the kind words
"Past as parasite" is a scary idea! But very true- dwelling on the past instead of moving forward will absolutely steal your future.
I love the symbol of Benjy's disintegration mirroring that of the South. Faulkner uses metaphors way more skillfully than most writers. It's super impressive.
Nice timeline graphic! Very helpful.
Thanks! I put a lot of TLC into some of the images
24:12 You have the most control over the Present.
Look at how many people put stuff off. There ya go. So, somehow the future is going to be different/better by procrastination...?
I'd like to see a synopsis of the last Delsey chapter w spoilers, please
Quentin 2, dad is Dalton ames?
If you want to understand the book and Benji as well as his family you need to understand the Macbeth soliloquy where Faulkner got the title. You need to ask, Who is the “idiot” telling the tale?-Benji, Father, Quinton or Jason? The Father’s nihilistic musings on the meaning of life and time helps drive the Quinton section. The Father has certainly bought into Macbeth’s distillation of the meaning of life as being devoid of meaning. Quinton believes Caddy’s loss of virginity is so monumental that he wants to consign them both to Hell by an act of incest. The Father counsels him that virginity is a meaningless conceit created by men as are all facets of life. Dilsey is the only counterpoint to the nihilism that saturates this novel-the fact that the Christian sermon appears in the section focused on her is not without meaning. It is brilliant; it will be forever relevant; and, it is terrifying (as is Macbeth, especially the “Out, out brief candle” soliloquy .
Oooh... so is *that* the reason that I watch way more Food Network when I'm dieting? (addict trying to be around object of addiction)
Michael Knipp Hahaha! I should go watch some now...
Do we know the date on Caddy's divorce. I feel like Quentin's suicide cause the divorce. I had the best time with Quentin's part just because of his constant introspection. Jason just felt like an a-hole. I could totally see Jason as an incest baby. I saw a study where a common side effect of incest were mental illness and fanaticism. He shows those traits for sure. Great time breakdown guys.
Rajathon Divorce was 1911 if you want to believe the appendix (written many years after publication and has several issue with how well it lines up with actual book; still accepted as canon and studied)
@@TheCodeXCantina I just saw that picture Allen sent really cool.
Introduction
William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury is a landmark in modernist literature, renowned for its intricate narrative structure and experimental approach to time. The novel delves deep into the consciousness of its characters, portraying time not as a linear sequence but as a fluid and subjective experience. This representation aligns closely with the philosophical theories of Henri Bergson, who emphasized the concept of “duration” and the inner experience of time.
Representation of Time in The Sound and the Fury
1. Stream of Consciousness Technique:
• Benjy’s Section:
• The first section is narrated by Benjy, a mentally disabled man who experiences time non-linearly.
• His narrative shifts abruptly between past and present without clear transitions.
• Memories are triggered by sensory experiences, reflecting how past events continuously intrude upon his present.
• Quentin’s Section:
• Quentin, obsessed with his sister Caddy and the decay of Southern values, experiences time as a tormenting continuum.
• His narrative is fragmented, mirroring his mental disintegration and inability to escape the past.
• Jason’s Section:
• Jason’s narrative is more linear but is steeped in bitterness and resentment rooted in past events.
• Time, for him, is a source of frustration as he feels trapped by circumstances beyond his control.
2. Non-linear Narrative Structure:
• The novel is divided into four sections, each offering different perspectives and timeframes.
• The disjointed chronology challenges readers to piece together the narrative, reflecting the complexity of time’s passage in human consciousness.
• This structure emphasizes the relativity of time, showing how each character’s perception shapes their reality.
3. Symbolism of Timepieces:
• Clocks and watches recur as symbols throughout the novel.
• Quentin’s fixation on his watch and eventual destruction of it signifies his desire to stop time and escape its relentless progression.
• Timepieces represent the mechanical, objective measure of time, which contrasts with the subjective experiences of the characters.
Influence of Bergson’s Theories
Henri Bergson, a French philosopher, proposed influential ideas about time and consciousness that resonate with Faulkner’s narrative techniques.
1. Concept of Duration (La Durée):
• Bergson’s idea of “duration” refers to time as it is subjectively experienced, a continuous flow rather than a series of separate moments.
• In the novel, characters like Benjy and Quentin experience time as an indivisible flow, where past and present coexist.
• This aligns with Bergson’s view that true time (duration) is qualitative and cannot be quantified or segmented.
2. Memory and Consciousness:
• Bergson posited that memory is an active force that blends with present consciousness, affecting how time is perceived.
• Benjy’s narrative illustrates this as his memories are inseparable from his present experiences.
• Quentin’s obsessive recollections demonstrate how memory distorts his perception of reality and time.
3. Rejection of Mechanistic Time:
• Bergson criticized the mechanistic view of time measured by clocks, arguing it fails to capture the essence of human experience.
• Faulkner mirrors this critique through characters’ struggles with timepieces, symbolizing the inadequacy of objective time to encompass subjective reality.
• Quentin’s destruction of his watch represents a rejection of imposed temporal structures in favor of personal experience.
4. Intuition Over Intellect:
• Bergson emphasized intuition as a means to grasp the flow of duration, suggesting that intellect breaks time into artificial segments.
• Faulkner’s use of stream of consciousness requires readers to engage intuitively with the narrative.
• The fragmented and overlapping timelines encourage an immersive experience, reflecting the intuitive perception of time.
Conclusion
In The Sound and the Fury, Faulkner transcends conventional storytelling by intricately weaving time into the fabric of his characters’ inner lives. The novel’s portrayal of time as a subjective, fluid experience is profoundly influenced by Bergson’s philosophical theories. By emphasizing duration, memory, and intuition, Faulkner not only challenges readers to reconsider the nature of time but also delves into the complexities of human consciousness. The interplay between Faulkner’s narrative techniques and Bergson’s ideas creates a rich tapestry that explores the depths of temporal experience and its impact on identity and reality.
References
• Bergson, Henri. Time and Free Will: An Essay on the Immediate Data of Consciousness. 1889.
• Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. 1929.
• Sartre, Jean-Paul. “On The Sound and the Fury: Time in the Work of Faulkner.” Literary and Philosophical Essays, 1947.
Quentin can't control change.
Caddy is the scapegoat.
Destiny. Your past made this or that inevitable.
It is very difficult to follow you
I'm sorry.
Please do not say sorry its my fault why I am not following you all students followed you