Critical Analysis of "A Rose for Emily"
Uploaded by SaxyLady2003 on Jun 16, 2006 |
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Critical Analysis of "A Rose for Emily"
"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.
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.
Whichever was his sole reason for writing the story, I believe he fully succeeded. He certainly created a mystery. The story is highly debated among many highschool and college students for its depth in meaning. If he had simply stated the story in a logical sequence, and without its complexity, the story would not be nearly as recognized or entertaining. It makes its audience think deeply and draw conclusions. I believe it makes the story seem more like reality also. It does not just sound like a story being told. The story is written in such a way that its readers are involved in the story, like they are also members of the town hearing gossip and trying to figure out the mystery of Miss Emily's life. The readers feel sympathy for Miss Emily as well.
Faulkner threw in very subtle hints of foreshadowing that most likely would not be noticed on a first-time-through read, such as the word "bloated" to symbolize death, and "arsenic" to also imply an upcoming death. When first reading the story, one does not know who exactly is going to be killed. Some make the assumption that Emily is planning to kill herself, but they receive the surprise of a murder in the end.
Faulkner was also successful in portraying the setting that he wrote about, probably because he was from a setting with so many similarities. He demonstrates the customs of the time, such as holding an old noble family high in rank. The distinct, unsociable relationships between blacks and whites, rich and poor, and Southerners and Northerners are shown throughout the story as well.
I enjoyed reading "A Rose for Emily." It made me use my mind and think deeply, and it showed me some of the customs of the time it was written. This story makes its readers reread it, usually more than once, because of its many hidden meanings and acute details. For that reason alone, it will continue to be known as one of the greatest short stories in our country. |
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