Time

Time is a central theme of the novel. Time slips back and forth throughout each section giving the reader a glimpse of the past as well as the present lives of the Compson family. Time is seen as ill relevant. The Compson family members make the same mistakes throughout time.

In the April 7, 1928 section, Faulkner uses the view of Benjy Compson a severely mentally challenged man to show the ill relevance of time. To Benjy time has no meaning. His days are the same only the people change. This gives the reader a sense of confusion of the time that the events are taking place. This confusion shows the intensity of the family’s relationships and the interwoven connection between the family members.

Benjy interweaves the past and the present seamlessly negotiating time without noticing the time change. Quentin is stuck in the past. He cannot...