Which novel took its name from a line in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”? Answer
William Faulkner’s 1929 novel, “The Sound and the Fury,” derives its title from a line in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” not “Hamlet.” Specifically, the line comes from Macbeth’s famous soliloquy in Act V, Scene 5, where he reflects on the meaninglessness of life, stating, “…it is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing.” Faulkner’s use of this line serves to emphasize the themes of chaos, despair, and the ultimately futile nature of the Compson family’s struggles, which are central to the novel.
Faulkner’s choice to borrow from Shakespeare’s tragic play highlights the novel’s exploration of decay and the fragmented nature of human experience. The “sound and fury” of the title mirrors the tumultuous and often incomprehensible narrative, which is told through multiple perspectives and employs a non-linear structure. This connection to Shakespeare’s work elevates the novel’s themes, giving it a broader, more universal resonance that transcends the specific circumstances of the Compson family’s decline.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExyuXkCRm4o
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