The Sound and the Fury: Chapter 1 Quotes

Questions and Answers

What does Caddy say to Benjy to protect him in the flashback?

Keep your hands in your pockets....Or they'll get froze

What does Uncle Maury declare Mrs. Compson will do?

Worry (herself) sick over him

What is an example of Benji's synaesthesia?

I could smell the bright cold

How does Benji describe Caddy?

Caddy smelled like trees and like when she said we were asleep Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Compson say about herself regarding strength?

I am not one of those women who can stand things Signup and view all the answers

What action showcases Caddy's genuine love for Benjy?

Caddy knelt and put her arms around me Signup and view all the answers

Who raised and loves the Compson children despite Mrs. Compson being their mother?

Dilsey Signup and view all the answers

Caddy's lasting influence is evident in Benji's present day observations with the _____ effect.

Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolic of Caddy's character and displays her promiscuity?

Caddy was all wet and muddy behind Signup and view all the answers

How was Jason isolated from the others at a young age?

Jason was playing too. He was by himself further down the branch. Signup and view all the answers

What does Caddy say when she shows defiance about entering the parlour?

I don't care. Caddy said 'I'll walk right in the parlour.' Signup and view all the answers

What does their father say regarding Caddy's independence?

You all mind Caddy then. Signup and view all the answers

What does Roskus say about the Compsons?

They ain't no luck going to be on no place where one of their own chillens' name ain't never spoke Signup and view all the answers

What action foreshadows Caddy leaving Benjy because of her promiscuity?

When Caddy climbs the tree Signup and view all the answers

What does Caddy smell like in Benjy's flashback?

Trees Signup and view all the answers

How does Benjy react to the smell of perfume?

I went away and I didn't hush Signup and view all the answers

What statement suggests a mutual dependency between Caddy and Benjy?

Caddy and Benjy held each other Signup and view all the answers

What are Caddy and Jason doing in front of the mirror?

Fighting Signup and view all the answers

What does Versh say about racial inequality and luck?

You's born lucky and don't even know it Signup and view all the answers

What does Versh say to Benjy about Mrs. Compson?

Your mamma too proud for you Signup and view all the answers

What does Benjy do while looking at himself that causes him distress?

I began to cry Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Quotes from Chapter 1

Benji recalls a memory where Caddy protects him, indicating her caring nature with her advice to "keep your hands in your pockets" and hints at Uncle Maury’s affair by stating, "Uncle Maury said no to let anybody see us."
Uncle Maury expresses concern that Mrs. Compson will "worry (herself) sick over him," highlighting her limited involvement in their lives.
Benji exhibits synaesthesia by stating, "I could smell the bright cold," reflecting his unique sensory perceptions.
The description of Caddy is tied to nature, as Benji notes, "Caddy smelled like trees," suggesting her innocence and connection to the environment.
Mrs. Compson’s self-absorption and hypochondria contrast with Caddy's strength, as Mrs. Compson claims, "I am not one of those women who can stand things."
Caddy's genuine affection for Benji is evident when she comforts him, saying, "You're not a poor baby. Are you. You've got your Caddy," emphasizing their bond.
Despite being their mother, Mrs. Compson is not as nurturing as Dilsey, who understands and cares for the Compson children, shown through the interaction, "Mother said 'stop Benjamin.' 'Give him a flower to hold.'"
Caddy's influence remains significant in Benji’s life as he continues to observe her, indicating her lasting impact on him.
Caddy's instability is symbolized by a moment of vulnerability, showcasing her promiscuity when she is described as "all wet and muddy behind" and her falls into water.
Jason’s isolation is evident as he is described as "playing too...by himself," indicating early signs of difficulty in forming relationships.
Caddy's assertiveness is demonstrated when she declares her independence, saying, "I don't care. Caddy said 'I'll walk right In the parlour.'"
Their father supports Caddy's independence, telling others, "You all mind Caddy then," highlighting a family dynamic that encourages her strength.
Roskus refers to a curse on the Compson family, emphasizing the notion of bad luck when stating, "They ain't no luck going be on no place where one of their own chillens' name ain't never spoke."
Caddy’s future promiscuity is foreshadowed when Benji observes her muddy drawers as she climbs a tree, anticipating her changes.
Benji recalls a purer time when Caddy "smelled like trees," indicating a memory of innocence before her transformation.
Benji expresses distress towards perfume, remarking, "she took up the bottle...and held it to my nose," and he reacts by leaving, unable to contain his feelings.
The dependence between Caddy and Benji is highlighted when they "held each other," showcasing their deep emotional connection.
Conflict arises between Caddy and Jason as they are noted to be "fighting in the mirror," illustrating familial tension.
Versh comments on racial inequality, stating, "You's born lucky and don't even know it," underlining issues of privilege.
Versh also tells Benji about Mrs. Compson's pride regarding him, remarking, "Your mamma too proud for you," indicating a strain in their relationship.
Benji faces distress over his bodily state, illustrated when he looks at himself and cries, with Luster advising, "Looking at them ain't going to do no good. They're gone," reflecting his profound sense of loss.

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Explore key quotes from Chapter 1 of 'The Sound and the Fury.' This quiz focuses on significant moments and character interactions, particularly highlighting Benji's memories and family dynamics. Test your understanding of Faulkner's powerful language and themes.