Abstract

William Faulkner is one of the most famous modern authors of America in the nineteen centuries. He has completed nineteen novels and seventy five short novels, among which The Sound and the Fury is well-welcomed by scholars and readers from all countries in recent years. It tells the decline of a southern aristocratic family Compsons over thirty years since 1900s. Negro nursemaid Dilsey, though a secondary figure, plays an important role in unfolding plots and exploring the theme of the story. This paper will analyze Dilsey’s characters in three aspects of her kindness to vulnerable people, criticism on immorality and loyalty to family and God and thinks highly of Dilsey’s soul.

Key Words: William Faulkner; Dilsey; Kindness; Criticism; Loyalty

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

1.1-William Faulkner-1

1.2-The Sound and the Fury-2

1.3-A brief literature review of The Sound and the Fury-3

2 Dilsey’s Kindness to Vulnerable Groups-5

2.1-To Miss Quentin-5

2.2-To Maury-6

2.3-To other black people-7

3 Dilsey’s Critical Attitude on Immorality-8

3.1-Mrs. Compson’s hypocrisy-8

3.2-Jason’s selfishness-9

4 Dilsey’s Loyalty to the Family and God-11

4.1-As a servant of the family-11

4.2-Her strong faith in God-12

5 Conclusion-14

Bibliography-16

Acknowledgments-17