In the modernism era of literature (1914-1945) William Faulkner wrote several books, short stories, and articles about children, families, sex, race, with fixations and life in the south. I did not feel that “A Rose for Emily” should have been selected to appear in literature books or curriculums for college or high school for that time period. This short story was not a “yardstick” For literature in this era.
William Faulkner refuses to discuss his works in interviews. He does not like to discuss these works because he feels they are personal and only written for himself. He stayed true to his roots writing mostly about the south, his sense of humor is cruel which is very reflective in the short story.
Literary Items for study are selected …show more content…
It is a gothic love story with horror as its underlying theme. One of the themes in this story challenges traditional vs change. The town of Jefferson is trying to modernize putting the civil war behind them. Emily remains the same fighting any change in her life. She has been cut off from the town, first by her father, who can’t or won’t find a suitable suitor. The civil war and lack of men were blamed for her inability for marriage. Even after his death her father’s portrait continues to hang over the fireplace imposing his will on her and keeping her cut off from the town. Emily is not an example of the modern woman stepping into the 1930’s. The character Emily belongs in the time period of 1865-1914. She is a southern woman post – civil war continuing in the characterization of the southern gentry. She remains out of touch with the changes happening around her staying the same for the entire story. Emily’s character (southern gentry) is traditional not changing behavior toward the town. Her need for respect, and honor, and her fears is the other reasons that she does not relate with the town, keeping her inside the house over the years. Her one trip out into the community ended in what looked like rejection and caused the towns people to speculate on Homer 's
William Faulkner refuses to discuss his works in interviews. He does not like to discuss these works because he feels they are personal and only written for himself. He stayed true to his roots writing mostly about the south, his sense of humor is cruel which is very reflective in the short story.
Literary Items for study are selected …show more content…
It is a gothic love story with horror as its underlying theme. One of the themes in this story challenges traditional vs change. The town of Jefferson is trying to modernize putting the civil war behind them. Emily remains the same fighting any change in her life. She has been cut off from the town, first by her father, who can’t or won’t find a suitable suitor. The civil war and lack of men were blamed for her inability for marriage. Even after his death her father’s portrait continues to hang over the fireplace imposing his will on her and keeping her cut off from the town. Emily is not an example of the modern woman stepping into the 1930’s. The character Emily belongs in the time period of 1865-1914. She is a southern woman post – civil war continuing in the characterization of the southern gentry. She remains out of touch with the changes happening around her staying the same for the entire story. Emily’s character (southern gentry) is traditional not changing behavior toward the town. Her need for respect, and honor, and her fears is the other reasons that she does not relate with the town, keeping her inside the house over the years. Her one trip out into the community ended in what looked like rejection and caused the towns people to speculate on Homer 's