Sound and the Fury revisited

It's been said that great novels must be revisited throughout life. Just because you are done with a book, it does not mean it is done with you. Certain novels are universal, available for entertainment, counsel, and introspection, at any time of your life. Although it is hypocritical to propose this argument at such a tender age, several masterpieces can be read at different points of one's life. Undoubtedly, it will not be a dull, lackluster, page-skipping read. Rather, coming across a beloved novel again is extremely gratifying, regardless of the motives. It is not a masochistic experience. Quite the contrary, you read a exalted form of the old novel, that is actually just adapting to your current state and age. It feels like discovering a whole new layer of treasure after years without opening a deceiving treasure chest. But a better example would be comparing a novel to a "Matryoshka" doll.

Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury falls under this category, along with Marquez 100 years of Solitude and Kafka's Metamorphosis to name a few. Even though each of these titles explores a different theme, what makes them great is the ability to attract readers of all ages. At age 16, The Sound and the Fury is a novel that is rather difficult to consume, mostly due to the reader's immaturity and futility in tackling such a structurally unique and complex novel. I failed to see how it was classified as good writing, as I struggled to get through the first, daunting, and confusing pages. It was not until I found out about Benjy's disorder that I understood the technique. If I could go back in time, I would slap my 16 year old self in the face because I thought very little of Southerners after the first section. I was dealing with inbred folk, and savages that did not meet my pretentious sophistication at 16. Stubborn, I refused to go the extra mile in understanding what did not meet my privileged reality. Fury exposes the delicate, raw, and soul-shattering themes of incest, retardation, violence, and racism, and it is not for the faint of heart, much less a 16 year old. Still, I considered it to be accessible but I didn't know what I was talking about, nor could I grasp most of these themes.

It took three more years of reading countless novels, suffering, screwing up, and learning the hard way to grasp The Sound and the Fury. Needless to say, I was in for a treat on my second visit at 19, a completely new read, highlighted by flashbacks of my first attempt to read the novel, and many moments that felt new because I finally understood some of its symbolism. However, I still have a long way to go. After all, I am a Faulkner amateur, and Fury will bring new moments of EUREKA! at 40, 60, or maybe as I lay dying, preferably not in a terrifying hospital room, and instead, reading some Faulkner, and other authors.

The Sound and the Fury has to be one of the most genuine, powerful, and brilliant novels I have ever read. Along with As I Lay Dying, Fury propelled Faulkner to the top. What I find particularly astounding, is the completely different writer we come across with in Fury. Just three years ago, Faulkner published his first novel, Soldier's Pay, a valiant first effort, but poor nonetheless. The Sound and the Fury consistently displays the brilliance that is lacking, but brewing in Soldier's Pay. It is a fine example of the maturity and evolution of the writer. Faulkner was doubted by many in the beginning, and defied all expectations. Fury is a refreshing and interesting introduction to Yoknapatawpha County, which would become a famous trademark. Who knew? Although comical, Faulkner actually made something of his life, and biographically, he led a life of blessed perseverance. Skeptical observers must have treated Faulkner like neglected grapes that transformed into a fine wine with time. This makes sense of my earlier claim of reading Fury, three years apart. As I write this, I realize I would have probably written a cookie-cutter, basic, summary of the Sound and the Fury at age 16. It would resemble Soldier's Pay, except it would be much, much worse. Now, even though I am not delving into character analysis and symbolism too much, I am reminiscing on my profound experience with the novel, as I am sure you will all do in the near or distant future, if Fury meant anything to you anyway.