If you’re reading one of William Faulkner’s novels, confusion is to be expected. This renowned American author is renowned for his perplexing writing style, which he uses to explore the human mind, identity, and the pressing issues of the American South. His stories are often set in the fictional county of Yoknapatawpha, which is based on his home of Lafayette County, Mississippi. Faulkner’s characters, such as the spurned bride and the duped sharecropper, may seem absurd, but they all reflect his fascination with how people process the past and the legacies of slavery and colonial violence. His works often feature multiple perspectives, allowing readers to experience the characters’ biases and blindspots firsthand. Even when discussing the most serious topics, Faulkner entertains readers with his verbal acrobatics, such as a single sentence in “Absalom, Absalom!” that runs 1,288 words long. Even Benjy Compson’s jokes can be confusing, such as when he mixes up his sister Caddy with golf caddies. Reading Faulkner can be difficult, but it is ultimately very rewarding. He encourages readers to think about the unreliability of history and memory. He teaches us to accept confusion and understand the limits of our understanding. Through this, Faulkner can help us pay attention to the hidden messages in the noise and chaos that surrounds us.