“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 your breath trying to conquer it.”
April Seventh, 1928 (Benjy’s Section)
The novel opens with the disjointed, stream-of-consciousness narration of Benjy Compson, a 33-year-old man with severe intellectual disabilities. His perspective shifts unpredictably between past and present, blending memories of his sister Caddy—who was his primary source of affection—with the chaotic events of the Compson family’s decline. Benjy’s section reveals key moments, such as Caddy climbing a tree to peer into their grandmother’s funeral, her later sexual promiscuity, and her eventual banishment from the family. The section ends with Benjy’s howls of distress as he senses the absence of order and love in his life.
June Second, 1910 (Quentin’s Section)
Quentin Compson, the eldest son, narrates this section on the day of his suicide. His mind spirals through obsessive memories of Caddy’s lost virginity, his futile attempts to preserve her honor, and his own psychological unraveling. Quentin’s fixation on time, Southern honor, and incestuous undertones culminates in his drowning himself in the Charles River. His section is dense with philosophical musings and fragmented recollections, reflecting his inability to reconcile the Compson family’s decay with his idealized notions of purity.
April Sixth, 1928 (Jason’s Section)
Jason, the bitter and cynical third son, narrates in a more linear but venomous tone. He resents his family’s downfall and takes out his rage on Caddy’s illegitimate daughter, Quentin, whom he manipulates financially. Jason’s greed, paranoia, and cruelty dominate this section, as he schemes to control the family’s dwindling wealth. His narrative exposes the moral bankruptcy of the Compsons, culminating in his frantic chase after Quentin, who escapes with his stolen money.
April Eighth, 1928 (Dilsey’s Section)
The final section shifts to a third-person perspective, focusing on Dilsey, the Compsons’ loyal Black servant. Her steadfast endurance contrasts with the family’s self-destruction. The section includes the chaotic Easter Sunday church service, where Dilsey finds solace in faith. Meanwhile, Quentin flees with a circus worker, and Jason’s futile pursuit underscores his impotence. The novel closes with Benjy’s eerie calm as Dilsey reassures him, symbolizing the enduring dignity of those who endure suffering.
Key Ideas
- The collapse of Southern aristocracy and its moral decay.
- The subjective nature of time and memory.
- The destructive power of obsession and unfulfilled desire.
- The contrast between endurance (Dilsey) and self-destruction (the Compsons).
- The limitations of language and perception in conveying truth.
Who should read this book?
- Readers who appreciate experimental narrative techniques and modernist literature.
- Those interested in Southern Gothic themes and family sagas.
- Students of American literature exploring psychological depth and symbolism.
- Writers studying stream-of-consciousness and nonlinear storytelling.