In William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury," the protagonist reflects on the relentless passage of time through the ticking of his watch. This moment highlights the watch's inability to deceive, portraying the unyielding nature of time, which continues to move forward regardless of one's perception or wishes. The protagonist's struggle with clarity amidst chaos is emphasized by the watch's steady ticking, representing a stark contrast to his own confused reality. This quote encapsulates the theme of time as a constant force in the novel, serving as a reminder of life's inevitability and the characters' futile attempts to confront their pasts. The watch symbolizes objectivity in a world filled with subjective experiences, stressing how time can be both a companion and an adversary as it relentlessly advances. Through this, Faulkner invites readers to contemplate their relationship with time and how it shapes their understanding of existence.