A rose for Emily

Introduction

"A Rose for Emily" is a mysterious short story written by William Faulkner. He uses many techniques to enhance the story's mysterious setting, such as foreshadowing and an out-of-order time sequence to alter the mood and perception of the story.

Rather than stating the true meaning of his works, William Faulkner generally uses symbolism to portray the depth of his tales. Throughout the story "A Rose For Emily," time is a continuous theme that is portrayed through symbols. The past, present, and future are represented by different people, places, and things. One of which such symbols, the main character herself, represents the essence of the past through her father, her house, and her lover.

Discussion

The setting of Faulkner's story is very similar to that of his own in his adolescent years. The time is shortly after the Civil War, early 1900's, and the setting is definitely in a Southern atmosphere. Faulkner might have written the story to portray a piece his own life, or simply to provide an audience with a good story of his writing style, mysterious and suspenseful yet yearning for sympathy. Yet another reason could have been to make a point about clinging to the past. He shows in this story that not letting go and moving on after a death, or any traumatic event, will lead to misery and eventually destruction. People should except the changes that they are dealt in their game of life. He might have written the story for a combination of those reasons.( Faulkner, 71)

Historically, the Grierson name was one of the most respected names in Jefferson. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Grierson played various roles in the community to further the reputation of his name and to earn his family a great deal of honor. He also, however, had and air of superiority about him. His attitude toward women, as evident in the treatment of his daughter, reflects his old-fashioned ways and his inability, or his lack of desire, to move on into the future. Throughout Miss Emily's childhood, her father believed that "none of the young men were quite good enough for Miss Emily." Mr. Grierson did not allow his grown daughter, even at the age of thirty, to make her own decisions. Moreover, he did not feel it was her place to act on her own behalf. Miss Emily willingly accepted her role in the household. The name ...