Benji or Bust

Having read the first chapter of the Sound and the Fury I have found Faulkner to be very enticing in his story writing. While it is an enticing read it is also very hard to understand and to follow which is why I haven't enjoyed much of it thus far (hopefully this changes)! Benji is 33 years old or as Faulkner writes in the book, "three years old for thirty years"- he is mentally handicapped and we go through many time lapses in this first chapter which causes some confusion. I think Faulkner begins his book in a way that is disorienting so as to attract the reader. It's confusing yet intriguing all at once and you want to find out what happens next. Benjy lives in a very chaotic household. His family unit isn't very strong along with the relationships in them. Benji's mother is neurotic and we find Benji being raised by various caretakers some who look on him with pity. Benji's best and closest relationship is with his sister, Caddy. She cares deeply for her brother and genuinely wants to be with him whilst some the caretakers see him as a burden. Dilsey, a nanny for the family does show some compassion and genuine care for Benji. I think in a way Benji is a way to show the family's flaws and upsets. He isn't really a flaw in the world but this family (aside from a few) view him as one and his parents, who don't act as very good guardians, are slowly falling apart and by seeing this in Benji's point of view these upsets are highlighted.