“A Rose For Emily” was written with many Southern Gothic influences and references. The film adaptation uses many of these influences to create an eerie, horror like atmosphere, whereas the short story does not have as much of a sinister feel. One reason for the difference in mood is the ability for the movie to use music to its advantage. When the mood is more disturbing like when Emily’s father dies or when Homer’s body is revealed, the director overlays …show more content…
Everything from Mr. Grierson’s death, to Emily’s, holds true in both distributions of “A Rose for Emily.” By keeping the same storyline, the movie adaptation is able to contain many of the symbolic elements from the short story. The main element of the story is shown in Emily 's character and her house. They represents the downfall of the Southern Aristocracy. During the 1800’s, the south was the elite. Now, the house, as well as Emily, seem out of place in this new, changing society. The Southern presence is clear in both the short story and the film, giving the plotline aspects of symbolism. Another symbol in both the stories is the iron-gray strand of hair that is found in bed next to Homer’s body. This represents how Emily has not only lost her mind, but how willing she is to not let go of her loved ones. Her hair left behind is the last representative of her life and the final collapse of the