الصخب والعنف – قراءة تحليليّة

Abstract

This study examines a novel by Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, titled The Sound and the Fury . Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the subsequent abolition of slavery in the South, the novel revolves around a family navigating this turbulent era. Faulkner employs the complex "stream of consciousness" technique, which has perplexed critics and posed even greater challenges for general readers. Despite its difficulty, the novel’s literary style—marked by suspense and intrigue—has captivated critics. Faulkner structures the narrative into four parts, each centered on one of the four siblings of the family. His meticulous manipulation of time is striking, with an acute sensitivity to temporal details and terminology. This research delves into the novel’s challenging techniques to unravel Faulkner’s intentions in his deliberate choices of time and setting, as well as his skillful management of intricate dialogues and layered storytelling. The novel weaves multiple interconnected narratives seamlessly, avoiding narrative flaws or structural weaknesses. Notably, Faulkner astonishes critics through the character of Benjy, a mentally disabled son, whose perspective adds depth to the story. While critics have debated the interpretation and application of "stream of consciousness," Faulkner succeeds in crafting a luminous literary style. Despite the complexity of his technique, Faulkner demonstrates a clear command of his craft, skillfully distributing roles among characters to reflect their societal dynamics. He enriches the narrative with intellectual depth, drawing on classical literature, themes of racism, and the portrayal of both marginalized and central figures, achieving success in all these dimensions.