In William Faulkner's novel The Sound and the Fury, the quote suggests that a person's identity is shaped significantly by their hardships and struggles. It implies that life's challenges contribute to one's character and understanding of existence. The idea of misfortune being persistent suggests that it continually influences individuals, shaping their experience over time.

Additionally, the reference to time itself as a misfortune highlights the inevitability of life's challenges. It signifies that as time progresses, individuals are not free from difficulties; rather, they might encounter new ones. In this way, the quote emphasizes the complex relationship between human experience, time, and suffering, suggesting that these elements are intertwined in defining who we are.