A Rose For Emily Analysis

1326 Words6 Pages
A Rose for Emily is a short story written by William Faulkner, one of the twentieth centuries greatest writer. This heart throbbing story is a tale about an old woman named Emily living in the small town of Jefferson. Set in the time period of the early nineteenth hundreds, The story, told in five sections, begins in section one by an unknown narrator telling how the town of Jefferson learns of Emily’s unexpected death. The narrator of this story is viewed as a general representation of the overall view of the town people of Jefferson. Throughout each section of the story, we learn of the heart throbbing life and times of Emily, as well as her relationship with the town, her father, and her lover. At the end of the story it is shocking how we find out about the disturbing truth that Emily Grierson was hiding. Overall, A Rose For Emily illustrates the theme of decay in the town, the house, and in Miss Emily herself. Symbolism in A Rose for Emily is presented through the important themes of tradition versus change, the power of death, and the symbol of watching. The theme of tradition versus change becomes very apparent throughout the story A Rose for Emily. Through the mysterious figure of Emily Grierson, William Faulkner conveys the struggle that comes from trying to maintain tradition in the face of widespread, wide ranging change. Jefferson is at a crossroads, embracing a modern, more commercial future while still faced on the edge of the past, from the disappearing glory of the Grierson home to the town cemetery where anonymous Civil War soldiers have been laid to rest. Emily herself is a tradition, staying the same over the years despite many changes in her community. In my opinion, she is in many ways a mixed blessing. As a living representative to the past, she represents the traditions that people wish to respect and honor. Although people chose to

More about A Rose For Emily Analysis

Open Document