The Legacy of William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" and Its Haunting Themes

In 1930, William Faulkner crafted the short story "A Rose for Emily," which would go on to become one of his most renowned works. Though he had a successful career in Hollywood writing for major studios like MGM, Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox, this piece of Gothic fiction never made its way to the big screen despite being adapted into around 50 screenplays. "A Rose for Emily" delves into the dark themes of societal norms, expectations, murder, and even necrophilia.

Summary of "A Rose for Emily"

The story centers around the titular character, Miss Emily Grierson, and her life in Jefferson County, Mississippi. Her actions are driven by the societal expectations placed upon her, ultimately shaping her personality. The story begins and ends with Emily's death, coming full circle and leaving readers with a shocking revelation. Narrated in first-person plural by an unnamed peripheral character, the story is divided into five sections.

What is a Peripheral Narrator?

A peripheral narrator is a character within a story who is not the main focus, but rather witnesses and recounts the events. An example of this can be seen in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" with the character of Nick Carraway.

Section 1

The story opens with the narrator announcing Miss Emily's death, highlighting the revered symbol she has become in the town of Jefferson, yet maintaining a sense of distance from her. She is an enigmatic figure to the community, and it is revealed that she has not paid taxes in over ten years. When city leaders try to collect, she dismisses them, portraying her as cold, stubborn, and proud.

Section 2

A flashback takes readers to a few years after Emily's father's death and the disappearance of Homer Baron, a man whom everyone thought would marry her. The townspeople begin to complain about a foul smell coming from Emily's yard, but the authorities refuse to confront her. Instead, they sprinkle lime around the property under the cover of darkness to eliminate the odor, which dissipates after a few weeks.

Following her father's death, Emily is left with nothing but the house. She is penniless, and her father had driven away any potential suitors. She initially denies his death and even refuses to let the minister or doctor in for three days. Eventually, she accepts the reality and allows her father to be buried.

Section 3

As the town evolves and new streets are constructed, Homer Baron works as a day laborer and becomes a well-known figure. He and Emily spend Sunday afternoons together in a yellow-wheeled buggy, sparking gossip among the townspeople. During this time, Emily visits a druggist and purchases arsenic, claiming it is for rats when questioned.

Section 4

The town eagerly awaits the marriage of Emily and Homer, but when no signs of it happen, the minister's wife writes to Emily's relatives, who come to visit. During their stay, Homer mysteriously disappears. Emily is seen purchasing men's clothing and a silver toilet set, leading the townspeople to believe that she and Homer are married.

Eventually, the relatives depart, and three days later, Homer reappears and visits Emily. After that, he is never seen again, except by a few children who come to her house for china painting lessons. The doors of the Grierson residence remain closed, and Emily is rarely seen.

The Haunting Legacy of Miss Emily Grierson

As the years pass by, Miss Emily's servant begins to show signs of aging, with gray hair and a stooped walk. However, Miss Emily remains hidden in her residence and is rarely seen. Despite growing older and plumper with graying hair, she remains locked in her house.

Eventually, Miss Emily dies in her home with her head propped up on a yellow, old, moldy pillow. Her servant walks out the back door and is never seen or heard from again. Miss Emily's two female cousins organize her funeral, and the entire town attends out of curiosity and obligation.

After some time, the residents of Jefferson decide to enter Miss Emily's house and open the upstairs door, which had been bolted shut for over 40 years. As they enter, they are met with the sight of the skeletal remains of Homer Baron lying in bed.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Rose for Emily" is a haunting tale of societal expectations, distorted love, and the horrors that come with repressed emotions. Faulkner's masterful storytelling and use of a peripheral narrator make this story a must-read for fans of Gothic fiction.

The Timeless Tale of "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner

Set in Jefferson, Mississippi, "A Rose for Emily" follows the story of Miss Emily Grierson over several decades. Faulkner's use of non-chronological storytelling highlights the lasting impact of the past on the present, as we see how the town of Jefferson transforms from a rural area to a bustling city.

The story takes place in the antebellum South, where traditional expectations hold great value. Miss Emily and her family represent the old ways of the town, with her father keeping her confined and rejecting all potential suitors. When he passes away, Miss Emily is left without a companion and clings to the traditional belief of remaining unmarried.

As the town of Jefferson evolves, Miss Emily's lack of growth becomes a burden. Though she remains stubbornly in her home, she is expected to maintain it and her life without any help. This, along with the town's changing language from "nigger" to "Negro," reflects their rigid expectations for Miss Emily.

The Consequences of Conformity

Faulkner uses symbolism and themes to show the consequences of blindly conforming to societal expectations. Miss Emily's attempts to conform ultimately lead to her downfall, as she becomes bolder and more defiant in her actions. Her refusal to embrace change and her desperation to maintain her image result in her mental and physical deterioration.

The Burden of Independence

As a member of the Grierson family, Miss Emily is expected to embody traditional values. However, her rebellious nature pushes her to question these traditional beliefs, leading her to break moral boundaries. This is seen in her purchase of arsenic, symbolic of her descent into madness.

The Shocking Truth

In the final section of the story, the townspeople enter Miss Emily's home after her death and discover the shocking truth about her actions. Through this, Faulkner highlights the dangers of blindly conforming to societal norms and the negative effects of traditional expectations on individuals.

Exploring the Power of Social Norms and the Devastating Effects of Conformity in "A Rose for Emily"Deep within the aging town of Jefferson, lies the shocking truth - the lifeless body of Homer Barron, once rumored to be in a relationship with Miss Emily, lays in her bed. This shocking discovery not only causes dismay in the townspeople but also exposes the consequences of Miss Emily's actions. As readers, we witness not only the physical decay of her home but also the deterioration of her mental state. Through the use of powerful symbols, William Faulkner conveys deeper meanings in "A Rose for Emily."Miss Emily herself is a symbol of the fading traditions and ideals of the old South. As the last surviving member of the once-respected Grierson family, she is objectified by the townspeople and becomes a representation of the past. Her home, the Grierson house, also serves as a symbol of the clash between the old and new. Once a grand and admired plantation home, it is now surrounded by modern buildings, emphasizing the passing of time and the changing of societal norms.The dust that permeates the story is a powerful symbol of Miss Emily's life. It represents the decay and isolation that she experiences as a result of clinging onto the past and rejecting change. The absence of an actual rose, despite the story's title, is significant and can be interpreted as a symbol of the lack of love and happiness in Miss Emily's life. It also represents the absence of kindness and compassion from the townspeople towards her.One of the major themes in "A Rose for Emily" is the conflict between tradition and progress. Miss Emily, a product of her society, struggles to conform to its expectations and maintain a certain image. However, as society changes and progresses, she becomes irrelevant and ultimately meets a tragic fate. The story also explores the consequences of isolation and loneliness. Miss Emily's refusal to adapt and embrace change leads to her isolation and eventual descent into madness. Additionally, Faulkner highlights the dangers of blindly following societal expectations and emphasizes the importance of individual identity and freedom.In the end, we see how Miss Emily's adherence to social conventions leads to devastating consequences. The dust, which represents the oppressive and stagnant nature of her traditional lifestyle, ultimately causes her own death. This serves as a powerful reminder of the harmful effects of blindly conforming to societal norms. The absence of a rose also highlights the lack of kindness and understanding towards Miss Emily, who ultimately becomes a tragic victim of her own circumstances.In conclusion, "A Rose for Emily" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of conforming to societal expectations and the pressure to adhere to social norms. Miss Emily's story serves as a stark reminder of the harmful effects of resisting change and the importance of individual identity in a constantly evolving society.