I've been working on a novel writing course, and in one of the lessons, the instructor mentions that The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner is one of the greatest American novels of all time. So, my interest piqued, I picked up the book from the library and started reading it.
First of all, The Sound and the Fury, so far, is unlike anything I've ever read before. It's told from the point of view of Benji, a thirty-three year old man, who, I as of yet can only surmise has a developmental delay. Everyone around him treats him like a child. What's most interesting is the way this character sees the world--in sometimes fragmented pieces, seemingly switching between past and present, without a, I want to say clear understanding, but I think it might be more accurate to say "typical" understanding of what exactly is happening. It truly feels like we are seeing the world through this character's eyes.
The character point of view is certainly remarkable, and although I have yet to discover the full unfolding of the plot, I find myself compelled to read on. Is it one of the greatest American novels? I've yet to render my verdict.
But, so, what does make a novel great or the greatest? Is it the characters? The plot? The language? What the story evokes in us? Having all or most of the qualities?
What do you think?
First of all, The Sound and the Fury, so far, is unlike anything I've ever read before. It's told from the point of view of Benji, a thirty-three year old man, who, I as of yet can only surmise has a developmental delay. Everyone around him treats him like a child. What's most interesting is the way this character sees the world--in sometimes fragmented pieces, seemingly switching between past and present, without a, I want to say clear understanding, but I think it might be more accurate to say "typical" understanding of what exactly is happening. It truly feels like we are seeing the world through this character's eyes.
The character point of view is certainly remarkable, and although I have yet to discover the full unfolding of the plot, I find myself compelled to read on. Is it one of the greatest American novels? I've yet to render my verdict.
But, so, what does make a novel great or the greatest? Is it the characters? The plot? The language? What the story evokes in us? Having all or most of the qualities?
What do you think?