I had to read The Bear in college too. How I passed that exam was a miracle because everything I studied in college was aimed at getting good grades. I didn't enjoy reading anything.
When I retired (at age 53) (as a self-made multimillionaire), I astonished myself by suddenly enrolling in college again with a full time freshman load. I wanted an A in everything--and I got it; however, this time, I did it because I loved what I was learning.
I have continued studying to this day. I was astonished to learn that I love studying. All those years of working and studying hard paid off because it all had become habit. I loved it when I didn't have to do it.
I read The Sound and the Fury five times. I didn't understand it. I read Faulkner's explanation, and it confused me even more.
Then, one night at a party, at my sister's house, I met a friend of hers who taught Faulkner at the local college. I said to her: "You're not leaving here tonight until you tell me what The Sound and the Fury is about!"
She sat on the sofa with me for two or three hours, explained everything to me, answered all my questions.
Then I read it again. It was crystal clear.
So, in fifty words or less, what’s it about?