The Sound and the Fury- Blog 5

Because my screenplay is an adaptation of a novel and not an original concept for a television episode, there is considerable overlap between my screenwriting and the actual plot of the novel. This did not necessarily make it an easier task, as it was imperative to capture the tone of Faulkner's work. A great deal of suffering is internalized, especially in Quentin's case, so there is minimal dialogue in certain segments to amplify the subtleties of his actions.

I was profoundly moved by "The Sound and the Fury," and nearly a year after reading it for the first time, its impact has been lasting. Faulkner evokes a strong emotional response with his careful structure, use of stream of consciousness, and memorable characters. From the outset of "June Second, 1910," Quentin Compson is tragic. From his inability to deal with the passing of time to the pride he longs to recover, Quentin's demise is heartbreaking.

The Sound and the Fury- Blog 4

In Quentin's section- "June Second, 1910" - several events take place, and there were difficult decisions involving what to include and what to omit. Quentin reflects on many encounters, but only a few are instrumental in shaping his life. He is a southern gentleman, and his sense of right and wrong is especially advanced. Classmates tend to label him and his less-than-supportive father claims that virginity is overrated and unimportant. His concern for time is something difficult to carry over to screenplay format. A ticking watch is initially captivating, but the point comes across shortly after. With limited space, there are two major areas of focus.

The first is obviously, his obsession with Caddy. Quentin feels required to save her from misery, but his compassion leads him to suicide. Two encounters- one with Dalton Ames and one with Caddy alone- will emphasize her importance and provide tension within the screenplay. As previously mentioned, the misguided attempts of Jason III to send Quentin in the right direction backfire. He will not appear in the screenplay, but his voice-overs will be interspersed to include his importance in dictating the path of Quentin's life.

The Sound and the Fury- Blog 3

"The Sound and the Fury" is the finest example of stream of consciousness, and Faulkner takes the concept of transforming thought into speech to new levels. The novel is difficult to comprehend at points, mainly because characters' minds often shift from past to present- sometimes in between sentences. Quentin is established as authentic through this literary technique. Readers are able to feel his sorrow and quickly realize how significant a role the loss of Caddy's purity plays in his daily life.

The influence of stream of consciousness dictates that my original piece must be deeply personal. It must follow Quentin's every reaction, and voice-overs will be used liberally to indicate his thoughts. Flashbacks are important for the screenplay to achieve maximum effect. Even as the lonely Quentin wanders around Harvard and the Massachusetts area, the presence of Caddy should be felt throughout.

The Sound and the Fury- Blog 2

Although the screenplay is based on the experience of Quentin, I consulted the entirety of the novel to inform my writing decisions. One constant is the importance of Caddy, who is the clearest manifestation of the Compsons' decline. Of the four children, she is the only female, and the males worship her. She is the only individual in the family who respects the mentally disabled Benjy. Quentin is destroyed by her loss of pride, and tells his father he committed incest in attempt to salvage her reputation. The reprehensible Jason IV steals payments intended for her daughter, an example of his selfish behaviour and distaste for his family. Caddy's life is a struggle: she gives birth to the child of Dalton Ames, and her husband Herbert Head shuns her after making this discovery. This personal tragedy creates a domino effect and results in the unraveling of several characters- especially Quentin.

The structure of the novel is comprised of four parts, each of which details a different point of view. First, there is Benjy, whose interpretation of the world around him is often indecipherable. Faulkner succeeds with the ambitious task of writing as a mentally disabled man, and the dysfunctional nature of the Compsons is immediately clear. Secondly, there is Quentin, who commits suicide, unable to cope with his lingering anxieties. Next, the brutal Jason is used as a vehicle to communicate the family decline. Finally, the insightful servant Dilsey witnesses the troubles the Compsons face, and the novel ends on a disturbing note.

The Sound and the Fury- Blog 1

When presented with the opportunity to write a screenplay based on a novel I admire, my mind was drawn to William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury," unquestionably one of the best novels I have ever read. While the novel is unique in style and manages to include several idiosyncratic perspectives, its themes broadly relate to human nature. Morality, failure, and self-discovery are all on display, and Faulkner effortlessly conveys the problems he witnessed in the South. The Compsons, once a proud family, have descended into oblivion. Ruined by finances, alcohol, and excessive pride, their dynamic sets the stage for a brilliant work of fiction.

"The Sound and the Fury" lends itself quite well to a screenplay format. There are memorable characters, most notably the distraught Quentin, whose story I centred my original piece on. His inner struggle is the basis for one of the best sections of literature I have ever read. Quentin begins at the pinnacle of the academic community, waking up at Harvard University. He evidently struggles with the concept of time, and constantly listens to the ticking of his watch. His recollection of past events contextualizes his sorrow: Caddy, his beloved sister, has been impregnated and marries another man hastily in order to maintain a normal lifestyle. Jason III, his father, a grossly cynical man, bothers him immensely. His mother wallowed in self-pity throughout his childhood, and family tears him apart. On "June Second 1910" Quentin faces many encounters before ending his life by jumping in the Charles River. He is an exceptionally nuanced character- one who is not easily forgotten.