Study Guide
- Quotes
- Questions for Study and Discussion
The Sound and the Fury is a famous (and controversial) novel by William Faulkner. Here are a few questions for study and discussion.
- What is important about the title? Is there a reference in the novel that explains the title?
- What are the conflicts in The Sound and the Fury? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional)?
- How does William Faulkner reveal character in The Sound and the Fury?
- What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- What are some symbols in The Sound and the Fury? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- Are the main characters consistent in his actions? Are they fully developed characters? Do you find the characters likable? Are the characters persons you would want to meet?
- How is the SOUTH a character in the novel?
- Does slavery and/or race relations play a role in the novel? How? Why? What is William Faulkner's view?
- What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
- Why is the novel so controversial? Do you think the book should be censored or banned?
- How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? Does it make a difference that the novel is set in a fictional county?
- What is the role of family and community in this novel?
- One of the complaints that readers voice about the novel is that the book is difficult. Did you find the book overly difficult? Did the difficulty level prevent you from finishing the book? Or, would you have finished the book if you were reading it outside of a classroom setting?
- Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
- Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
