A Rose For Emily: Fallen From Grace
...in William Faulkner's "A
Rose for Emily."
Authors traditionally use symbolism as a way to represent the sometimes
intangible qualities of the characters, places, and events in their works. In
his short story "A Rose for Emily," William Faulkner uses symbolism to compare
the Grierson house with Emily Grierson's physical deterioration, her shift in
social standing, and her reluctancy to accept change.
When compared chronologically, the Grierson house is used to symbolize
Miss Emily's physical attributes. In its prime, the Grierson house is described
as "white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the
heavily lightsome style of the seventies" (Faulkner 69). This description
suggests that the house was built not only for function, but also to impress and
engage the attention of the other townspeople. Similarly, the wealthy women of
the era, Emily Grierson not withstanding, were dressed in a conspicuous manner.
This, for the most part, is because their appearance was perceived as a direct
reflection on their husbands and/or fathers. This display of extravagance was
egotistically designed by men to give an impression of wealth to onlookers.
Emily was regarded by her father as property. Her significance to him was
strongly ornamental, just as their overly lavish home was. As the plot
progresses, the reader is clearly made aware of the physical decline of both the
house and Miss Emily. Just as the house is described as "smelling of dust and
disuse," evidence of Emily's own aging is given when her voice in similarly said
to be "harsh, and rusty, as if from disuse" (70-74). Ultimately, at the time of
Emily's death, the house is seen by the townspeople as "an eyesore among
eyesores," and Miss...
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