Who is Emily Grierson, and what was her family’s former position in the town? After the death of her father, what has happened to Emily and what are her economic circumstances? How does the deputation of aldermen from the town of Jefferson treat her?
Emily Grierson, a young woman, lived with her father until his death. The townspeople believed she was insane and constantly gossiped about her. Despite her family’s formerly respected reputation, they eventually became outcasts. Following her father’s passing, Emily began a relationship with Homer Barron while simultaneously facing issues with the town’s tax authorities.
How is information about Emily obtained? How is the narrative of her life formed by reports and rumors?
The townspeople begin the story by describing Emily as creepy and recounting how she has lived a lonely life.
Emily and Homer Barron’s relationship and the significance of Homer’s northern background are notable.
Emily and Homer have been in a relationship for some time. However, rumors circulate in town, leading to gossip and criticism about their relationship. Despite the negative attention, Emily remains deeply in love with Homer and decides to propose marriage to him. Unfortunately, Homer rejects her proposal, which ultimately leads Emily to commit a tragic act of taking his life.
One is asked to describe the plot of “A Rose for Emily” and identify the contrasts and oppositions developed in the story.
The narrator begins with a flashback to introduce herself and proceeds to recount the events of her life, including her act of killing Homer, as well as the subsequent actions taken in regard to his body over the years.
How does Faulkner use the story’s events to create an air of mystery and intrigue around Emily? And in what ways does the ending catch the reader off guard?
Faulkner characterizes Emily as a solitary woman devoid of any life, using language that portrays her as an eerie figure who keeps her house closed off from everyone. Eventually, at the conclusion of the story, the townspeople finally gain entry into Emily’s house following her death. To their astonishment, they stumble upon the preserved corpse of Homer in an upper room.
