In this excerpt from William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury," Ben expresses deep despair through a haunting wail that resonates with a sense of hopelessness. His cry is portrayed as an echo of broader themes like time, injustice, and sorrow, emphasizing the weight of human suffering. It suggests that his emotions reflect not just personal pain but also a universal experience of tragedy.

Faulkner's use of imagery indicates that this moment transcends mere sound; it becomes a voice for the collective anguish of existence, created by the alignment of circumstances beyond comprehension. The wail encapsulates a poignant moment of vulnerability, blending the individual's internal struggle with the greater injustices of life.