William Faulkner’s short story A Rose for Emily is a powerful depiction of the changing times in the American South during the early twentieth century. Most good stories start with a basic list of ingredients: Initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, resolution, and conclusion. Some great authors change recipes and add spices from time to time.
The tale centers around the character of Emily Grierson, a former Southern belle who is unable to adapt to the changing times and becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn as time goes by.
This essay analyzes A Rose for Emily, a tale that invites various critical interpretations and attracts a lot of commentaries. Before we examine the themes of William Faulkner’s classic narrative, it might be worth summarizing the synopsis.
A Rose for Emily: Full plot summary
The whole story is divided into 5 main sections. Here a brief but complete sum up of the tale.
Section 1
The narrative opens with the death of Emily Grierson. The townspeople are curious about her mysterious life and attend her funeral in her home, which no stranger had entered for over a decade. It used to be in the middle of an elegant neighborhood, but it has all gone to rack and ruin.
Section 2
The narrative jumps back to Emily’s youth and introduces the reader to her family and the customs related to the old South. Emily’s father is portrayed as a controlling figure, while she is seen as a passive persona.
Section 3
The protagonist struggles to adapt to the changing times and becomes increasingly reclusive after her father’s decease. She refuses to pay taxes or deal with her property’s strange odor.
Section 4
Emily forms a liaison with Homer Barron, a construction worker who is a Northern. Despite going out together every Sunday, they are unlikely to marry. The townsfolk disapprove of their romance, as he is judged to be an unsuitable husband because he is beneath her social standing. Homer hasn’t been seen in a while, but he and Emily are finally getting married. Homer Barron vanished after a one-night visit, and nobody saw him again. The protagonist is barely seen either, and when she reappears from the homestead, her hair has turned gray, and she has gained weight. She rarely speaks to anyone, does not pay taxes, and eventually dies of old age.
Section 5
The narrator explains what happens after Miss Emily dies. Emily’s body is laid out in a drawing room. The townsfolk broke down the door to a sealed second-floor room that had not been opened for 40 years. The room contained items for the upcoming wedding and a man’s suit. Homer Baron’s body is also spread out on the bed and is in a state of advanced decomposition. A hollow head is noticed on the pillow next to Homer’s body, and Emily’s long gray strands of hair are on the pillow. The tale ends with the men and women leaving the house and the narrator reflecting on the mystery of her life and the decay of the old South.
A Rose for Emily Literary Analysis
The story is told from the point of view of the townspeople, who have known Emily all her life. Through their recollections and observations, we learn about Emily’s life and the various events that occur. Detailed literary parsing and reflections are at StudyDriver.com essay examples where you’ll find a complete and comprehensive examination of different aspects of the story.
In terms of literary devices, William uses a non-linear narrative structure, with events unfolding out of chronological order. This allows him to create a sense of mystery and suspense around the characters and their actions.
A Rose for Emily Themes
Isolation
Miss Emily becomes increasingly isolated from the community as she refuses to adapt to the changing times and clings to the traditions of the old South. Her isolation ultimately leads to her tragic end.
Secrecy and Obsession
Miss Emily Grierson was a significant person in her town, despite her lack of involvement in community activities. She is portrayed as a “fallen monument,” a woman who could not be free, whose life was shrouded in secrecy and known only to her servant. This secrecy has caused great curiosity among the people in the city, who are eager to uncover the truth about her life. In addition to her obsession with her past and how she refused to let go of her affair, ultimately leading to her downfall.
Decline of Southern Aristocracy
The decline of the Southern aristocracy in the post-Civil War era is strongly highlighted. Emily’s family represents the old aristocracy, and their downfall is depicted through Emily’s reclusive and troubled life.
Demise and Decay
The text permeates the soul. It leads the readers from the decaying mansion where Emily lives to the decomposed body of Homer in her bed. This theme underscores the old South’s decline and Emily’s tragic ending.
A Rose for Emily: Conflicts
There are several aspects present in A Rose for Emily. Some of the main ones are:
Emily Versus the Townspeople
Emily is in conflict with the townsfolk, who disapprove of her liaison with Homer and reject her refusal to pay taxes and adapt to the changing times.
Emily Versus Her Father
The conflict between the two is a present significant aspect. He is portrayed as a controlling figure who denies her the opportunity to pursue a romantic relationship and maintain independence. This conflict is rooted in the customs and values of the old South, where fathers had significant control over their daughters’ lives.
The father of Emily is described as having driven away all of her potential suitors, leaving her alone and isolated. The conflict between them is further exemplified when he dies, and she refuses to let his body be taken away for three days, claiming that he is not dead. Her refusal to accept his passing highlights the deep psychological effects of their contact and her inability to let go of the past.
Emily Versus Herself
Emily struggles with her own inner demons and inability to adapt to the changing times. Her isolation and tragic end are a result of her internal battles.
Tradition Versus Modernity
The conflict between tradition and modernity is present throughout the narrative, as Emily clings to the traditions of the old South while the township undergoes modernization.
Life Versus Death
The conflict between these two is evident from the opening scene of Emily’s funeral to the discovery of Homer’s decomposed body in her bed.
A Rose for Emily: Symbolism
The tale is rich in symbolism. Here are a few examples:
The Rose
The title itself is symbolic, as roses typically represent love and affection. However, in this case, the rose takes on a darker meaning as it is used to represent the decaying and distorted idea of love that Emily had for Homer.
The Hair
Emily’s hair is described as “iron gray,” symbolizing her age and connection to the past.
The Arsenic
The arsenic that Emily buys is a symbol of demise and decay. It represents Emily’s desire to hold onto the past and avoid change, even if it means taking drastic measures.
Conclusion
Overall, A Rose for Emily is a haunting and poignant exploration of the human experience in the face of change and decay. The author presents a powerful commentary on the erosion of traditional Southern values and the human toll of resistance to change through the complex parts. The use of non-linear storytelling and shifting perspective adds to the mystery and tension that permeates the narrative, making it a truly unforgettable work of literature. A Rose for Emily remains a classic example of Southern Gothic fiction and a testament to Faulkner’s literary genius.
