Critical Elements in A Rose For Emily
Critical Elements in A Rose For Emily
In the short story, “A Rose for Emily,” by William Faulkner, the main character, Emily Grierson, had a death and funeral that drew the attention of the entire town. The story is set during the changing times after the civil war, and there are many symbols in the story that bring out the theme of change.
The story opens with Miss Emily Grierson’s death and funeral, which foreshadows the ending. The outcome is further emphasized by the symbolism of the decaying house, which parallels Emily’s physical deterioration and shows her mental decline. Her life, like the decaying house, suffers from the lack of love and care. The characteristics of her house, like her physical appearance, are brought about by years of neglect. For example, the house is located in what was once a prominent neighborhood that has deteriorated, just like Emily has. This is evident when she was first described as a “fallen monument.” This symbolized her former beauty and her later ugliness that was described as obese and bloated. The inside of the house also symbolizes Emily. For instance, at first, all that could be seen in the house was a dim hall where a staircase was mounted with more shadow, and the house smelt of dust and disgust. The darkness and smell of the house symbolically connects with Emily, just like her voice is dry and cold as if it were dark and dusty from disgust like the house. The similarity between Emily and the house extends to the mantle that has a portrait of her and her father. Finally, the townspeople’s description of both Emily and the house reveal an unattractive style. At one point, the house was described as “stubborn,” as if it were ignoring its surrounding decay. Miss Emily also proudly ignored the deterioration of her once grand residence. Inside and out, both the building and Emily’s body are in a state of deterioration, just like tarnished metal. All of these symbols represent the theme of change in the story.
The structure and order of the story also is divided in a way that represents the changing of the times. According to critic William Davis, “A Rose for Emily” is divided into five sections that have to do with the past and present. The first and last sections, which deal with the death of Emily, contain information on the...