The Sound and the Fury · Chapter
April Sixth, 1928 explained
Jason Compson IV reflects on his family's financial struggles and his resentment toward his sister Caddy and her daughter Miss Quentin.
What happens
Jason Compson IV reflects on his family's financial struggles and his resentment toward his sister Caddy and her daughter Miss Quentin. He argues with his mother Caroline about Caddy's return and Miss Quentin's upbringing, while also expressing bitterness about his brother Benjy's condition and his own thwarted ambitions. The chapter includes flashbacks to the arrival of Miss Quentin as an infant and the family's decision to hide Caddy's name from her.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Decay
The Compson family is shown in decline through arguments, resentment, and the hiding of Caddy's name from Miss Quentin.
Obsession and Control
Jason's obsessive resentment and Caroline's controlling efforts to shield Miss Quentin from her mother's past.
Suffering and Endurance
Caroline's self-perception as a suffering mother and Dilsey's enduring care for the family across generations.
Characters to notice
- Jason Compson IV
Narrator of the chapter; expresses resentment toward his family and bitterness about his financial losses.
- Caroline Compson
Jason's mother; argues with Jason about Caddy and Miss Quentin, and insists on protecting the family's reputation.
- Miss Quentin
Caddy's daughter; mentioned as being locked in her room at night and as an infant brought home by her grandfather.
- Caddy Compson
Jason's sister; discussed in terms of her past marriage and her daughter's upbringing, with her name forbidden to be spoken.
- Dilsey Gibson
The family servant; prepares meals and cares for Miss Quentin as an infant, and is instructed not to speak Caddy's name.
- Benjy Compson
Jason's brother; mentioned as being fed in the kitchen and as a source of embarrassment for Jason.
Key passages
“I says if they’d sent him to Jackson at first we’d all be better off today.”
Jason argues that Benjy should have been institutionalized long ago for the family's benefit.
Reflects Jason's resentment and lack of empathy toward Benjy.
“Either that name is never to be spoken in her hearing, or she must go, or I will go.”
Caroline insists that Caddy's name must never be mentioned to Miss Quentin, threatening to leave if it is.
Highlights the family's denial and shame regarding Caddy.
“I could hear the Great American Gelding snoring away like a planing mill.”
Jason mocks Benjy's snoring, comparing him to a castrated horse.
Shows Jason's cruel contempt for his brother.