“A Rose for Emily” is a short story by William Faulkner that explores the life of a woman named Emily Grierson, who is a symbol of the old South. This literary analysis delves into the many layers of the story, examining themes such as isolation, tradition, and the effects of time on individuals and society. Through a close reading of the text, this article seeks to unpack the complex narrative and symbolism of “A Rose for Emily,” shedding light on Faulkner’s masterful storytelling and his commentary on the human condition.
Historical Context
In order to fully understand William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. The story was published in 1930, a time when the United States was still recovering from the effects of World War I and the Great Depression was beginning to take hold. This period of economic and social upheaval is reflected in the story’s themes of decay, isolation, and the decline of the old Southern aristocracy. Additionally, Faulkner’s use of a non-linear narrative structure and multiple perspectives can be seen as a response to the modernist literary movement that was gaining popularity at the time. By examining the historical context of “A Rose for Emily,” readers can gain a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and the ways in which Faulkner’s writing reflects the cultural and artistic trends of his time.
Plot Summary
The plot of A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner is a complex and multi-layered one. The story is set in the fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, and follows the life of Emily Grierson, a reclusive and mysterious woman who is the last surviving member of a once-prominent family. The story is told through the eyes of the townspeople, who are fascinated by Emily and her strange behavior. The plot is divided into five sections, each of which reveals a different aspect of Emily’s life and personality. The first section introduces Emily and her family, and sets the stage for the rest of the story. The second section focuses on Emily’s relationship with a man named Homer Barron, and the third section explores the aftermath of their relationship. The fourth section reveals a shocking secret about Emily’s past, and the final section brings the story to a dramatic and tragic conclusion. Throughout the story, Faulkner uses a variety of literary techniques to create a sense of mystery and suspense, and to explore themes such as the decline of the South, the nature of time, and the power of tradition.
Character Analysis
Emily Grierson, the protagonist of William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” is a complex character with many layers to unpack. At first glance, she appears to be a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance and societal expectations. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Emily is not simply a passive victim, but an active participant in her own downfall. Her actions, motivations, and psychology are all worthy of examination in order to fully understand the character and the themes of the story.
Emily Grierson
Emily Grierson is the protagonist of William Faulkner’s short story, “A Rose for Emily.” She is a complex character who is both admired and pitied by the townspeople of Jefferson. Emily is a symbol of the Old South, a time when the aristocracy ruled and the rest of society was expected to follow their lead. She is also a victim of her circumstances, trapped in a world that no longer exists. Emily’s story is one of tragedy and isolation, as she struggles to come to terms with the changing world around her. Faulkner uses Emily’s character to explore themes of tradition, isolation, and the effects of time on society. Through her story, he shows how the past can haunt the present and how the actions of one person can have a profound impact on an entire community.
Homer Barron
Homer Barron is a character in William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” who plays a significant role in the story. He is a Yankee, a construction worker, and a potential love interest for Emily Grierson. Homer is described as a “big, dark, ready man, with a big voice and eyes lighter than his face” (Faulkner 33). Emily’s relationship with Homer is a source of controversy in the town, as she is an unmarried woman and he is a Northerner. Despite this, Emily and Homer are seen together frequently, and it is rumored that they are engaged. However, the truth about their relationship is revealed in the shocking conclusion of the story.
Colonel Sartoris
Colonel Sartoris is a prominent figure in A Rose for Emily, despite never actually appearing in the story. He is mentioned several times throughout the narrative, and his actions have a significant impact on the events that unfold. Colonel Sartoris is a former mayor of Jefferson, and it is revealed that he had a close relationship with Emily’s family. He is responsible for exempting Emily from paying taxes after her father’s death, a decision that is still in effect years later. This exemption is a symbol of the power and influence that Colonel Sartoris held in the town, and it highlights the way that the past continues to shape the present in the story. Despite his absence, Colonel Sartoris looms large over the narrative, and his legacy is felt throughout.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in A Rose for Emily is the idea of tradition versus progress. Throughout the story, Faulkner portrays the conflict between the old ways of the South and the new, modern world. Emily Grierson, the protagonist, represents the old ways of the South, clinging to the traditions and values of her ancestors. She refuses to accept the changes happening around her, including the arrival of new technologies and the influx of Northern influence. This conflict is further emphasized by the setting of the story, which takes place in the fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, a place that is steeped in tradition and history. Faulkner uses this theme to comment on the changing landscape of the South during the early 20th century and the struggle to reconcile the past with the present.
Isolation
In “A Rose for Emily,” isolation is a recurring theme that is explored through the character of Emily Grierson. Faulkner portrays Emily as a woman who is cut off from the rest of society, both physically and emotionally. She lives in a decaying mansion that is isolated from the rest of the town, and she rarely interacts with anyone outside of her household. This isolation is further emphasized by the fact that Emily’s father kept her sheltered from the world, and after his death, she becomes even more withdrawn.
Emily’s isolation is also reflected in her relationships with men. She is unable to form meaningful connections with them, and her attempts at romance are often thwarted by her own insecurities and the disapproval of her community. This is seen most clearly in her relationship with Homer Barron, a man she becomes infatuated with but ultimately kills in order to keep him close to her.
Overall, Faulkner uses isolation as a way to explore the psychological and emotional effects of being cut off from the rest of society. Through Emily’s character, he shows how isolation can lead to a sense of desperation and a loss of touch with reality.
Death
In “A Rose for Emily,” death is a recurring theme that permeates the entire story. From the opening sentence, the reader is made aware of Emily’s death, and the narrative is structured around the events leading up to it. Faulkner uses death as a way to explore the decay and decline of the old South, as well as the psychological effects of isolation and loneliness. Emily’s father’s death, in particular, has a profound impact on her life, as she becomes increasingly isolated and detached from the world around her. The story’s shocking conclusion, in which Emily’s corpse is discovered in her bed, serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitability of death and the consequences of denying it. Overall, death serves as a powerful symbol in “A Rose for Emily,” representing both the decay of the old South and the psychological toll of isolation and loneliness.
Tradition vs. Progress
In William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” the theme of tradition versus progress is prevalent throughout the story. The setting of the story, a small Southern town in the early 20th century, is steeped in tradition and the old ways of the South. However, as the town begins to modernize and change, Emily Grierson, the protagonist, struggles to adapt to the new ways of the world. This conflict between tradition and progress is seen in Emily’s refusal to pay taxes, her refusal to allow the town to put numbers on her house, and her eventual murder of her lover, Homer Barron, who represents the new, progressive ways of the North. Faulkner’s use of this theme highlights the tension between the old and new ways of the South and the struggle to adapt to a changing world.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.” The story is filled with various symbols that represent different themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the house that Emily lives in. The house is described as “an eyesore among eyesores” and represents the decay and decline of the old South. It also symbolizes Emily’s isolation and her inability to move on from the past. Another important symbol in the story is the rose. The rose represents both beauty and decay, as it is a symbol of love and affection, but also of death and mourning. The title of the story itself is a symbol, as the rose can be seen as a metaphor for Emily’s life, which is both beautiful and tragic. Overall, the use of symbolism in “A Rose for Emily” adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to explore the themes and ideas in a more nuanced way.
The House
The house in A Rose for Emily is a significant symbol that represents the decay and isolation of the protagonist, Emily Grierson. The house is described as a “big, squarish frame house that had once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies” (Faulkner 29). However, as time passes, the house becomes dilapidated and decaying, much like Emily herself. The house is also a symbol of Emily’s isolation from the rest of the town, as it is located on a “select street” and is separated from the other houses by “cotton wagons and gasoline pumps” (Faulkner 29). The house becomes a physical representation of Emily’s mental state, as she becomes more and more reclusive and detached from reality.
The Rose
The rose is a recurring symbol throughout William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.” It represents both beauty and decay, as well as the past and the present. The rose is first introduced in the title of the story, which immediately draws the reader’s attention to its significance. As the story unfolds, the rose takes on different meanings, reflecting the changing nature of Emily’s life and the town around her. Ultimately, the rose serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience.
The Hair
In A Rose for Emily, William Faulkner uses the symbolism of hair to represent the passage of time and the decay of the Southern aristocracy. Emily Grierson’s hair is described as “iron-gray” and “vigorous” in her youth, but as she ages and becomes more reclusive, her hair becomes “gray and dank.” This change in her hair mirrors the decline of her family’s wealth and status in the town. Additionally, the hair of Homer Barron, Emily’s lover, is described as “iron-gray” as well, suggesting that he too is a symbol of the fading Southern aristocracy. The use of hair as a symbol in A Rose for Emily adds depth to the story and highlights the themes of time and decay.
The Watch
In “A Rose for Emily,” the watch is a symbol of time and the passing of generations. The watch is given to Emily’s father by the mayor, and it becomes a treasured possession for Emily after her father’s death. The watch is described as “tarnished” and “heavy,” representing the weight of the past on Emily’s life. As Emily ages, the watch becomes a reminder of her own mortality and the inevitability of time. The watch also serves as a reminder of the changing social and cultural landscape of the town, as Emily clings to the traditions and values of the past. Ultimately, the watch is a symbol of the cyclical nature of time and the inescapable march towards death.
Point of View
In A Rose for Emily, William Faulkner employs a unique point of view to tell the story of Emily Grierson, a woman who lives a reclusive life in a small Southern town. The story is narrated from the perspective of the townspeople, who have known Emily for years and have their own opinions about her. This point of view allows Faulkner to explore the themes of isolation, tradition, and change in a way that would not be possible with a traditional first-person or third-person narrator. By using the collective voice of the townspeople, Faulkner creates a sense of community and shared history that is essential to understanding Emily’s character and her place in the town’s history. At the same time, the point of view also creates a sense of distance and detachment, as the townspeople are not always reliable narrators and their opinions about Emily are often colored by their own biases and prejudices. Overall, the point of view in A Rose for Emily is a powerful tool that allows Faulkner to explore complex themes and characters in a way that is both intimate and objective.
Tone
The tone of William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” is one of melancholy and nostalgia. The story is set in the fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, and the narrator’s descriptions of the town and its inhabitants are tinged with a sense of loss and decay. The tone is established from the very beginning of the story, with the opening sentence: “When Miss Emily Grierson died, our whole town went to her funeral: the men through a sort of respectful affection for a fallen monument, the women mostly out of curiosity to see the inside of her house, which no one save an old man-servant–a combined gardener and cook–had seen in at least ten years.” This sentence sets the stage for the rest of the story, with its focus on the decline of the Grierson family and the decay of the town itself. Throughout the story, the tone remains consistent, with the narrator’s descriptions of Miss Emily’s life and the events that surround her death all imbued with a sense of sadness and regret.
Setting
The setting of William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” is a crucial element in understanding the story’s themes and characters. The story takes place in the fictional town of Jefferson, Mississippi, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town is described as a once-thriving community that has fallen into decline, mirroring the decline of the aristocratic Southern culture that once dominated the region. The decaying mansion of Emily Grierson, the story’s protagonist, is a symbol of this decline, as it stands as a relic of a bygone era. The setting also plays a role in the story’s themes of isolation and loneliness, as Emily becomes increasingly isolated from the changing world around her. Overall, the setting of “A Rose for Emily” is a rich and complex backdrop that adds depth and meaning to the story.
Literary Devices
One of the most prominent literary devices used in William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” is the use of symbolism. Throughout the story, Faulkner uses various symbols to represent different themes and ideas. For example, the decaying mansion that Emily lives in represents the decay of the old South and the decline of the aristocracy. The rose that Emily keeps in her house represents her own isolation and loneliness. Additionally, the use of foreshadowing is also prevalent in the story. Faulkner hints at the shocking ending of the story through subtle clues and hints throughout the narrative. These literary devices add depth and complexity to the story, making it a rich and rewarding read for those who take the time to unpack its many layers.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary technique used by authors to give readers a hint of what is to come in the story. In A Rose for Emily, William Faulkner uses foreshadowing to create a sense of unease and mystery throughout the story. One example of foreshadowing in the story is the description of Emily’s house. Faulkner writes, “It was a big, squarish frame house that had once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies, set on what had once been our most select street.” This description foreshadows the decay and decline of both Emily and her house. Another example of foreshadowing is the description of the arsenic that Emily buys from the druggist. Faulkner writes, “The druggist looked down at her. She looked back at him, erect, her face like a strained flag. ‘Why, of course,’ the druggist said. ‘If that’s what you want. But the law requires you to tell what you are going to use it for.'” This foreshadows the shocking revelation at the end of the story that Emily has been keeping the corpse of her lover in her house for years. Faulkner’s use of foreshadowing adds depth and complexity to the story, and keeps readers engaged and guessing until the very end.