It doesn't take long for Quentin to realize that Rosa has a bone to pick with Sutpen. Because Quentin grew up hearing about Sutpen, he is intensely fascinated by the story. Though Quentin is preparing to leave for Harvard, he is intrigued by the invitation. Her life has been isolated and lonely, and she's sitting out her final days in a house that could seriously use an open window. Like Quentin, Miss Rosa lives in Jefferson, Mississippi.

Legendary, indeed, as we will shortly find out. When the book opens, it's September 1909, and Miss Rosa Coldfield has asked the twenty-year-old Quentin Compson to come to her house to hear the story of her experiences with the legendary Thomas Sutpen. Quentin and Shreve in their dorm room (January 1910).Rosa and Quentin's interactions (September 1909).Sutpen's family history (recounted by people in the other two time periods).It's helpful to keep in mind that we're dealingwith three different time periods in this novel:

Oh, and one other thing before we get started.

(For an actual chronology, check out the 'Character Timelines.') It gets a bit choppy – it's mostly a series of flashbacks – so buckle your seatbelts. Remember, Shmoopers, this summary tells things in the order we get them in the book (not in real time).

Absalom absalom by william faulkner