I am not one of those women who can stand things.”

Main theme of the novel
Decline and Corruption
One of the overarching themes of the book is the decline of the Compson family, which also acts as a symbol of the decline of the South itself. The family was once a model of the wealthy, slave-owning Southern aristocracy before the Civil War.
Plot
The Sound and the Fury is a dramatic presentation of the decline of the once-aristocratic Compson family of Yoknapatawpha County, in northern Mississippi. Divided into four sections, the history is narrated by three Compson brothers — Benjamin, Quentin, and Jason — followed by a section by an omniscient narrator.
Benjamin (Benjy) Compson
The first narrator of the book, a mute, mentally disabled man. Benjy was originally named “Maury” after his uncle, but Caroline changed his name when she discovered his disability. Benjy has no understanding… read analysis of Benjamin (Benjy) Compson
Quentin Compson
The oldest Compson child and the novel’s second narrator, Quentin is close with his father and Caddy. He feels the constant burden of his family’s past greatness and its present decline. This turns into… read analysis of Quentin Compson
Jason Compson IV
Jason is the only one of the four siblings—Quentin, Caddy, Benjy, and himself—to receive Mrs. Compson’s affection, but he grows up into a bitter, loveless man. As an adult Jason… read analysis of Jason Compson IV
Candace (Caddy) Compson
The only Compson daughter and arguably the novel’s most important character, as she is the object of her brothers’ obsessions. Caddy is the only Compson who seems capable of loving truly, as she cares for… read analysis of Candace (Caddy) Compson
Mr. Compson
Jason Compson III, the father of the family, a cynical, philosophical man who spends all day drinking whiskey and reading Greek and Roman literature instead of caring for his children or working. Mr. Compson instills… read analysis of Mr. Compson.