* Unconventional Narrative Structure: The novel is told from the perspectives of four different characters, each with their own unique and fragmented consciousness. It jumps between time periods and perspectives in a non-linear fashion, challenging traditional notions of plot and chronology. This structure reflects the chaotic and fragmented nature of the Compson family's inner lives.
* Depth of Psychological Exploration: The novel delves deeply into the psyches of its characters, revealing their thoughts, memories, and anxieties in a raw and unfiltered manner. This allows the reader to experience the world through their subjective lens, understanding their motivations and inner turmoil.
* Use of Interior Monologue: The novel employs extensive use of interior monologue, directly conveying the characters' thoughts and feelings without the mediation of an external narrator. This allows the reader to experience the raw and often incoherent nature of human consciousness.
* Experimentation with Language and Syntax: Faulkner uses a unique and experimental style of language, characterized by fragmented sentences, unconventional punctuation, and a stream-of-consciousness narrative. This creates a sense of immediacy and authenticity, immersing the reader in the characters' mental landscapes.
* Focus on Memory and Time: The novel explores the nature of time and memory, often blurring the boundaries between past, present, and future. This reflects the subjective experience of time, where memories can be vivid and overwhelming, regardless of their chronological order.
* Exploration of Trauma and Loss: The novel grapples with themes of trauma, loss, and the disintegration of a family, using stream of consciousness to convey the emotional impact of these experiences. This highlights the power of consciousness in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.
The novel's daring use of stream of consciousness pushed the boundaries of narrative form and helped to redefine the possibilities of modern fiction. It continues to be admired and studied for its profound exploration of the human psyche and its innovative literary techniques.