1. Stream of Consciousness: Faulkner masterfully uses this technique, allowing readers to enter the minds of his characters and experience their thoughts, feelings, and memories in a non-linear, fragmented way. This gives readers a deeper understanding of the character's inner world, often revealing their subconscious motivations and anxieties.
* Example: In "The Sound and the Fury," we experience the story through the consciousness of Benjy, a mentally disabled character, who speaks in a fragmented, often nonsensical, way. This grants us access to his raw, emotional state.
2. Shifting Perspectives: Faulkner frequently shifts perspectives between multiple characters in the same story. This challenges the traditional single-perspective narrative, giving the reader a more complex and nuanced understanding of events by presenting multiple viewpoints and interpretations.
* Example: "As I Lay Dying" utilizes the perspectives of various Bundren family members, allowing readers to experience their individual struggles and motivations as they embark on a grueling journey to bury their mother.
3. Time Distortion: Faulkner plays with time, often moving between past, present, and future in a non-linear fashion. This reflects the fluidity of memory and the subjective nature of time, blurring the lines between past and present.
* Example: "Absalom, Absalom!" utilizes flashbacks and fragmented narratives to reconstruct the history of the Sutpen family, exploring the interconnectedness of past actions and their impact on the present.
4. Symbolism and Allegory: Faulkner uses symbolic imagery and allegorical themes to explore complex issues such as race, identity, and the human condition. These symbols often have multiple layers of meaning, inviting readers to engage in deeper interpretations.
* Example: The decaying Southern mansion in "The Sound and the Fury" symbolizes the decline of the Old South, while the commodification of the land reflects the changing social and economic realities of the era.
5. Southern Gothic: Faulkner is deeply rooted in the Southern Gothic tradition, blending elements of the grotesque, the macabre, and the supernatural. This creates a darkly humorous and unsettling atmosphere, reflecting the societal complexities and historical traumas of the South.
* Example: "A Rose for Emily" features a gothic atmosphere, incorporating elements of isolation, mystery, and the macabre, to explore themes of societal decay and the consequences of unchecked power.
6. Language and Diction: Faulkner's language is often dense and complex, reflecting the fragmented nature of the modern world. He employs long, intricate sentences, colloquialisms, and regional dialects to create a unique and immersive voice.
* Example: The use of Southern slang and idioms in "Light in August" enhances the authenticity of the narrative, highlighting the distinct cultural identity of the characters.
Conclusion:
By employing these Modernist techniques, Faulkner created a powerful and distinctive literary style that reflected the complexities of the 20th century. His work continues to resonate with readers today for its exploration of human nature, social injustice, and the enduring legacy of the past.