Analysis Of Miss Emily's Neighbors

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The author uses the point of view of Miss Emily’s neighbors to demonstrate how little is known about this woman and how most of what we do know is speculation. We hear the story through the mouths of Miss Emily’s nosy neighbors, who seem to take joy in gossiping about her grim life; although, it is clear they don’t really know her at all. When Miss Emily dies the women only go to her funeral to see the inside of her house, which no one has seen in many years (Faulkner 204). The narrator describes the scene, stating, "[t]he Negro met the first of the ladies at the front door and let them in with their hushed, sibilant voices and their quick, curious glances..." (210). Her neighbors make it very clear with their actions that Miss Emily was merely

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