In the beginning chapter of Faulkner's novel, The Sound and the Fury, the reader is first introduced to several characters. We see how Caddy is adventurous and a little rebellious, and this is identified by the way Benjy describes her. He mentions the way she smells like trees, like she is outside constantly, on adventures, and exploring. Benjy's fondness over Caddy is shown through his over concern and how he is upset when he notices when Caddy doesn't smell like trees, but perfume. He takes this a sign of change, that she will lose her curiosity.

This chapter is very important because we see how Caddy is the kindest person to Benjy. Caddy is a very important person to Benjy. Not only is this factor important, but throughout the chapter the reader is introduced to the style of writing Faulkner uses in this novel. He uses a style in which time is not an important concept. Faulkner plays with tenses such as the past, present, and future, in order to show the reader certain events. While his style of writing is confusing and difficult to read, there are benefits to the way he uses time because of the chance the reader has to look into the character's past and present, and to understand and connect with the book and people within it.