The Sound and the Fury Principles Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

She was wet. We were playing in the branch and Caddy squatted down and got her dress wet and Versh said,

"Your mommer going to whip you for getting your dress wet." (1.187-8)

Caddy’s wet dress is a symbol.

Quote #2

And folks don’t like to look at a looney. Taint no luck in it. (1.217)

Superstitions and principles often seem like they’re interchangeable in this novel. Luster is one of the only people who will talk openly about Benjy’s place in the Compson family – and even then, he can only account for people ignoring him by attributing it to "luck."

Quote #3

Jason cried. His hands were in his pockets.

"Jason going to be rich man." Versh said. "He holding his money all the time." (1.443-4)

We learn early on just how Jason organizes his life: around money. Versh’s description may be a joke early in the book, but it turns out to be pretty accurate.