How does stream-of-consciousness narration work in William Faulkner’s novels?

In William Faulkner’s novels, stream-of-consciousness narration serves as a radical technical tool to capture the unfiltered, internal experiences of his characters. Rather than relying on a traditional, linear narrative, Faulkner uses this technique to record the fragmentary, impressionistic, and often non-rational flow of thoughts, memories, and sensory impressions that define a character's consciousness.12

Faulkner’s application of this method varies by work:

• The Sound and the Fury: Faulkner utilizes successive stream-of-consciousness monologues from three brothers of the Compson family. These sections record their immediate responses to events and their personal memories, exposing their distinct obsessions and internal conflicts.32
• As I Lay Dying: This novel is highly experimental, featuring 15 different characters who take turns as the narrator. Each chapter provides the interior monologue of a specific character, allowing the reader to experience the story through multiple, shifting perspectives.4

By employing these techniques, Faulkner moves beyond rational thought to represent the full richness and subtlety of the mind at work, often incorporating incoherent thoughts and free associations to reveal the complex psychological depths of his characters.2