While I try as best to keep an open mind about literature, especially that of a different time period, I had a difficult time in doing so with The Sound and the Fury. I felt that while this novel had a lot of meaning and thought to it, obviously, I just had a very difficult time getting very attached to it, as well as having a difficult time in figuring out why this book should be apart of the canon of American Literature.
The language and word choice that Faulkner supplies us with adds even more difficulty in reading his novel. The time period that this novel takes place in is a very different time then what we live in today, making it hard ot understand the diction in the book.
Aside from language, I felt that in this book, basically every bad thing that could possibly happen to a family, happened. At times I just felt depressed and saddened for these characters.
In comparison to the other texts that we have read this year, I do not see much of a connection to the Sound and the Fury and The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. While there was unfortunate events and sadness in The Great Gatsby, it was more accidental, and expected. For example Myrtle’s death was an accident, be it ever sad. And Mr Wilson murdering Gatsby and himself was certainly sad, but it wasn’t completely shocking. Wilson believed that Gatsby had killed his wife, so he reacted in a psychotic way. In The Sound and the Fury, the incest and tears and deaths were more depressing and unnecessary. I actually was reminded of the novel Of Mice and Men. This is probably one of my favorite books that I have ever read, inside or outside of an english classroom, but I did find it to be very sad and depressing. Benjy realled reminded me of Lenny, and even reading the novels you can tell how much love and appreciation these fictional characters have to give and its just sad when you read all the horrible things that happen to them.
February 26, 2007 at 3:41 am
I agree that The Sound and the Fury is difficult to read and comprehend. I do like the drama and exciting events that occur through out the book, becuase it really keeps my attention. The books does remind me of Mice and Men a little, with some character similarites such as Lenny and Benjy. The only difference is that Lenny dies becuase of his disturbing actions and Benjy kind of goes on with his life not knowing a lot of the burdens in it. I do like you explaination and connections to The Great Gatsby too.
February 28, 2007 at 12:50 am
I agree with your statement about the diction of the novel being difficult to understand due to the time period difference. I also like your comparison using Of Mice and Men because I can deffinitely see the connection that you are talking about.