"The Sound and the Fury" is indeed a masterful exploration of a Southern family's decline, capturing the complexities of time, memory, and human emotion. Faulkner's use of stream of consciousness can be disorienting but ultimately deeply immersive, allowing readers to experience the inner lives of the characters in a profound way. The novel's multi-perspective narrative, particularly the differing viewpoints of Benjy and Quentin, reflects the fragmented nature of their lives and the wider societal changes taking place.
The appendix at the end serves as a helpful guide, clarifying relationships and timelines, which can be particularly useful given the intricate and often non-linear storytelling. This complexity is part of what makes Faulkner's work so enduring and impactful—it's not just a story, but a reflection on existence and familial ties that lingers long after reading. Many readers find that contemplating the themes of loss, time, and identity, as well as the setting of the Old South, makes for a rich and thought-provoking experience that remains with them for years.