Analyzing "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner
Read Article Rose for Emily and answer the prompt questions
QUESTIONS
Describe the plot in 2-3 sentences.
What is YOUR premise? (see the above for ideas)
Create a linear timeline for the events of the story in order to trace Miss Emily’s life.
What contexts (historical, ect.) do you feel are most important to the understanding of the story?
What do you think the tone and mood of the story were?
What do you feel the theme was?
What motifs or tropes did you notice?
What do you feel was symbolic or a symbol in the story?
What ironies did you spot?
How do you feel the setting is used as a crucial part of the story?
Who is the narrator? Do you feel this person/persons are reliable (Why or Why not)? How does that affect the story?
What do you think about Miss Emily as a character? What archetype would you associate her with?
What do you think about the structure of the story? How does this effect the reader?
What do you think the turning point was? Explain
If Emily is the protagonist, who or what would you label as the antagonist(s)?
What do you think the major points of conflict were?
What do YOU think was the reason Miss Emily went to buy the poison? (specific and creative ideas welcomed).
Who do you think the body found in the locked bedroom was?
How do you think that person came to be in that place? (cause, ect.)
If we assume murder was committed, state the possible motive for the following characters:
Emily
Homer
Tobi
Cousins/other
Overall thoughts/opinion?
Analyzing "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner
Plot Summary
In "A Rose for Emily," the story unfolds in the town of Jefferson, focusing on the mysterious life of Miss Emily Grierson. The plot follows the townspeople's curiosity and fascination with Emily's reclusive nature, her relationships, and the shocking secret revealed upon her death.
Thesis Statement
In William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily," the author explores themes of isolation, tradition, and the complexities of human nature through the enigmatic character of Miss Emily Grierson.
Linear Timeline of Events
- Miss Emily's father passes away, leaving her isolated and grieving.
- She meets Homer Barron, a Northerner, and begins a secretive courtship.
- The town becomes increasingly suspicious of their relationship.
- Homer disappears, and rumors swirl about their fate.
- Upon Emily's death, her secret is revealed in a shocking twist.
Contextual Significance
The post-Civil War Southern setting of the story is crucial to understanding the deep-rooted traditions, societal expectations, and the decline of the aristocratic South. Faulkner uses this historical context to explore themes of change, decay, and the struggle to maintain the past in a rapidly evolving world.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the story is somber and melancholic, reflecting the decaying Southern setting and the tragic life of Miss Emily. The mood oscillates between nostalgia for a bygone era and unease as dark secrets are slowly unveiled.
Themes
Themes of isolation, loneliness, decay, and the conflict between tradition and progress are prevalent throughout the narrative. Faulkner delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of clinging to the past at all costs.
Symbolism
The decaying mansion symbolizes the decline of the Grierson family's once-respected status. Miss Emily herself becomes a symbol of defiance against time and change, locked in a cycle of isolation and denial.
Ironies
The story is rife with ironies, such as the townspeople's judgmental attitudes contrasting with their own complicity in enabling Emily's behavior. The shocking revelation at the end serves as a poignant irony that challenges perceptions of morality and sanity.
Narrator
The narrator is an anonymous member of the town who serves as a collective voice representing the community's gossip, speculation, and judgments. Their reliability is questionable due to their subjective interpretations and biases, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
Character Analysis - Miss Emily
Miss Emily emerges as a complex character embodying elements of the Southern Gothic archetype - a tragic figure trapped by her circumstances and haunted by her past. Her descent into madness and obsession with preserving time encapsulates Faulkner's exploration of human frailty and resilience.
Structure and Effect
Fkner's non-linear narrative structure enhances the story's suspense and mystery, compelling readers to piece together fragments of Miss Emily's life. The fragmented timeline mirrors Emily's fractured psyche and the town's fragmented memories.
Turning Point
The discovery of Homer Barron's remains in Emily's bedroom marks a pivotal turning point in the story, unraveling the truth behind Emily's dark secret and challenging the town's perceptions of her.
Antagonists and Conflicts
The antagonists in the story can be seen as societal norms, traditions, and Emily's own inner demons. Major conflicts arise from Emily's struggle against change, her isolation from society, and her desperate attempts to defy time.
Creative Interpretation - Miss Emily's Purchase of Poison
One possible reason for Miss Emily buying poison could be her desire to keep Homer Barron with her forever. In a twisted act of love and possession, she may have intended to prevent Homer from leaving her by any means necessary.
Final Thoughts
"A Rose for Emily" serves as a haunting exploration of human nature, tradition, and the consequences of denying reality. Faulkner's masterful storytelling weaves a tale that lingers in the mind long after the final revelation, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of life, death, and the passage of time.