American Literature CLEP Prep 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The narrative style of "The Sound and the Fury" is best captured by stream of consciousness, a technique that Faulkner employs to delve deeply into the thoughts and feelings of his characters. This style allows readers to experience the characters' inner thoughts in a non-linear progression that mirrors the chaotic nature of their emotions and perceptions. The novel is divided into four sections, with the first featuring Benjy's perspective, which is particularly notable for its fragmented and disjointed nature. This approach conveys the complexity of his mental state and reflects the fluidity of memory.

Using stream of consciousness, Faulkner allows intimate access to the characters’ minds, capturing their immediate thoughts, sensations, and memories in a way that is raw and visceral. This creates a rich tapestry of emotion and provides insight into the themes of time, loss, and the impact of family relationships. In contrast to other narrative styles, which might follow a more structured or traditional storytelling format, Faulkner's choice effectively emphasizes the disarray and depth of human experience.