In this profound quote from William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury", the speaker presents a metaphorical mausoleum representing the collective hopes and desires of life. This is offered not as a way to cling to memories of the past, but rather to encourage a momentary escape from the relentless passage of time and its burdens. The sentiment reflects a deep understanding that constantly battling against time is futile.
Furthermore, the speaker conveys a sense of disillusionment about the nature of victory. They suggest that true battles are never fought in the external sense; instead, they reveal an individual's inner weaknesses, folly, and despair. Ultimately, the notion that victory exists is portrayed as a mere illusion, one that only the naïve or philosophical might cherish. This commentary invites reflection on the futility of striving against the inevitable flow of time.