A Rose for Emily (1930) by William Faulkner

There are three main themes evident from the short story "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner. The theme of isolation, privacy, and conflict between past and change are evident from the story, and a lot of conclusions can be derived from them. Ideally, these themes are enhanced through the motifs like death and compassion.

The theme of isolation is expressed and permeates the whole narrative of the story. Basically, in as much as Emily lived with her father, but she never enjoyed engaged in any relationship with the community because "the Griesons held themselves too high". Upon the demise of the lovely dad, she became dissolution and disoriented in life to the extent that begins to show rare public appearance.

On the same plinth, she becomes privy to herself. Most of her deals are made by herself, and she never involved anyone in them as opposed to before. She isolates herself from the society by sticking to the house most of the time, but this is a contrary opinion of the townspeople, and they do not allow it. On the same pedestal, there arises a conflict between the past and a change of the present. The author illustrates how Emily's Old South house becomes the only place and the last standing among the "garages and cotton gins." This is an excellent symbol of modernity. It also symbolizes change. As a result, the conflict is flush visible visually, and anyone can easily see it

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Plot

The author of the short story segments in into five parts. The five elements are not arranged chronologically, through them all about the life history of Miss Emily Griersion. The young lady is a member of one of the vulnerable families within the town. The family lives in the Mississipi town of Jefferson. The storyline jumps around in time, and it eventually creates a confusing sequence of events. It is difficult to capture the feeling of the selection because the story is in five parts and the end of the story is captured in the beginning. Nonetheless, it is inherent and worth pointing out that Emily had a strict father who never allowed her to get out of the house. The story is told in past tense.

Characters

The story has a series of lettering, though Emily Grierson comes out as the main character. She comes out as mysterious figures that change from a vibrant and hopeful young girl to a woman who is cloistered and secretive. This takes place following the environment in which she is brought up in. She is devastated by the death of the father, and she after that remains to be an object of pity to the town people.

After living a life of having potential suitors, which was rejected by the father, she spends time after his demise with a newcomer, Homer Barron. She does not feel comfortable staying with the newcomer, and she eventually poison him and seal the corpse into the upstairs room. She is perceived as someone who is hurtled and does not care about other people's lives.

Homer Barron is another character worth talking about. He a handsome man having dark body complexion and booming voice. Because of his physical appearance, and sense of humor, he wins many admirers. He also wins Emily, and one of the fine Sundays, he takes her for a drive.

They hook up for a while, and eventually, he disappears into Emily's house, where he decomposes in a garret bedroom after he is killed. Mr. Grierson, who is the father of Emily, is another character that is has a long-lasting influence on the daughter, Emily. He deliberately pins down the attempts made by Emily to get a husband. He keeps her under control most of the time, and this makes Emily live a life of loneliness most of the time.

Eighty years old Judge Stevens, who is the mayor of Jefferson is another character who attempts to delicately handle complains concerning the smell that is emanating from the property of Emily's father. On the other hand, Tobe is also an important character. He is the servant of Emily. For years, he dutifully performs his errands without failure. Ultimately, the townspeople stop questioning him about Emily. He finally walks out of the house immediately after the death of Emily.

Tobe gives an example of a humble servant who does his duties with a lot of care. Last, Colonel Sartoris, who is the former mayor of Jefferson helps Emily when a massive tax is imposed on her after the death of her father. He is expressed as one who cares about the well being of people in the society and feels one should be oppressed.

Setting

The story takes place in a small town in the Deep South of the United States. They lived during the post-civil war. Emily's family was once wealthy and leaders in the community. Presumably, when the economy declined, Emily's family lost fortune and place within the society. This fact brings a clear picture and understanding of the state of mind of the "town," who is narrating Miss Emily's story, where stories of various townspeople are pieced together and of Miss Emily, the central character who lived alone except for her lone servant. The town of Jefferson is a fallen legacy.

Conflict

Emily portrays the conflict between the community and herself. The battle between her and the city comes out outstandingly, and this is evident in the way she lived and how he treated Homer. Another conflict is within her. She lives in isolation and desolation because her father cannot allow her to interact with the people outside

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