A Rose For Emily Analysis Essay

“A Rose For Emily” written by Peter Faulkner, is a short gothic story that carries the obscure mystery of denial, obsession, love, and death. The narrators, who are an array of townspeople living in Jefferson, express every thought, emotion and concern they have towards Emily. The narrator shifts emotions towards Emily throughout the story. At times, the narrator feels sorry and pities Emily’s troubles. On the other hand, the narrator creates an atmosphere of criticism and gossip surrounding Emily’s odd behavior. Faulkner writes this southern story in a non-chronological order, creating an imperceptible “puzzle” as well as an ongoing theme to understand the reality of Emily’s life. The literary elements of character, conflict, and symbolism, illustrate an occurring theme of Emily’s inability to accept change. Emily Grierson, who is the protagonist in this short story, delivers an emotional roller coaster that leads to a …show more content…
A question that is left for interpretation is the title of this story, A Rose For Emily. It is clear that the rose is something symbolic, but Faulkner only uses it once. Rose’s usually symbolize love, romanticism, hope, balance, and new beginnings. In a strange way, the “rose” could possibly be her new beginning to where her afterlife may take her. The rose could symbolize a love and romance she never found alive. This rose might be her key to peace and balance after fighting her mental illness and confinement to isolation. In an article from Seattlepi, written by Maria Magher, she defines the rose as Emily’s relationship with Homer. When she meets Homer, she feels she may have found true love after all. Unfortunately, as their relationship takes a negative turn, she poisons and kills him. “The idea of her love for him is preserved forever in her mind, just as a rose is preserved between the pages of a memory book when it dies”