How to Understand A Rose for Emily: Summary and Analysis

Are you looking for an intriguing and thought-provoking short story to share with your children? Look no further than “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner. This Southern Gothic masterpiece has captivated readers for decades with its mysterious plot, complex characters, and haunting themes. In this article, we will provide a summary, analysis, and exploration of the themes of “A Rose for Emily,” along with its setting, characters, and symbolism.

In “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner, the story of a woman who is rumored to have killed her lover and kept his body for years is a haunting tale that leaves readers with many questions. This article will delve into some of the most commonly asked questions related to the story and uncover some of the hidden meanings behind the plot.

A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner: Summary

A Rose for Emily Full Short Story

What is the Short Summary of A Rose for Emily? A Rose for Emily is a short story by William Faulkner that tells the life and death of Emily Grierson, a mysterious and eccentric woman who lived in a decaying mansion in a small Southern town. The story is narrated by an unnamed townsperson who attends Emily’s funeral and recalls the events that marked her existence. The story is divided into five sections that are not in chronological order, but reveal different aspects of Emily’s character and history.

The first section describes Emily’s funeral and how the townspeople were curious to see the inside of her house, which had been closed to the public for a long time. The narrator also mentions that Emily had been exempted from paying taxes by a former mayor, Colonel Sartoris, who had invented a story that her father had lent money to the town. The new generation of town leaders tried to make Emily pay taxes, but she refused and claimed that Colonel Sartoris was still alive, even though he had been dead for years.

The second section goes back to thirty years earlier, when Emily’s father died and left her alone and poor. The townspeople noticed a foul smell coming from her house, but they did not dare to confront her directly. Instead, they secretly sprinkled lime around her property to get rid of the odor. The narrator also recalls how Emily’s father had driven away all her suitors, and how she denied his death for three days before allowing his burial.

The third section narrates the arrival of a construction company in town, led by a Northerner named Homer Barron, who became Emily’s lover. The townspeople were scandalized by their relationship, and hoped that they would get married. However, Homer was not interested in settling down, and Emily’s distant cousins came to town to supervise her behavior. Homer left town for a while, but returned after the cousins departed. He was last seen entering Emily’s house.

The fourth section describes how Emily became more isolated and reclusive after Homer’s disappearance. She rarely left her house, and only communicated with her old servant, Tobe, who ran errands for her. She also gave china-painting lessons to some young girls, but stopped when they grew up. The narrator mentions that Emily grew fat and gray, and that her house fell into disrepair.

The fifth and final section returns to the present, after Emily’s death. The townspeople enter her house and find it dusty and decayed. They discover a locked room upstairs, which they break open. Inside, they find the skeleton of Homer Barron, lying on a bed, dressed in a nightshirt. Next to him, they see a pillow with a strand of Emily’s gray hair, implying that she had slept with his corpse for years. The story ends with the narrator saying that the townspeople “sprinkled it [the hair] with dust and rose, faintly, as if in a dream, above the smell of decay.”

A Rose for Emily: Analysis

A Rose for Emily is a short story by William Faulkner that explores the themes of decay, isolation, and resistance to change in the post-Civil War South. The story is narrated by a collective voice that represents the memory and gossip of the town of Jefferson, where the protagonist, Emily Grierson, lives.

Emily is a mysterious and eccentric figure who belongs to a once-prominent aristocratic family that has fallen into ruin. She lives in a dilapidated mansion that symbolizes her attachment to the past and her refusal to adapt to the modern world. She is also haunted by the death of her father, who controlled her life and prevented her from marrying anyone. After his death, she clings to his corpse for three days before surrendering it to the authorities.

Emily’s isolation is further intensified by her relationship with Homer Barron, a Yankee construction worker who is seen as an outsider and a threat by the townspeople. Emily and Homer are rumored to be engaged, but Homer is not interested in settling down. Emily buys arsenic from a druggist, presumably to kill rats, but the townspeople suspect that she intends to poison herself or Homer. Homer disappears after visiting Emily’s house, and Emily becomes a recluse for the rest of her life.

The story ends with a shocking revelation: after Emily’s death, the townspeople break into a locked room in her house and find Homer’s decaying corpse on a bed, along with a strand of Emily’s gray hair and a pillow with an indentation of her head. This implies that Emily killed Homer and slept with his corpse for years, in a twisted attempt to preserve their relationship and defy the passage of time.

A Rose for Emily is a classic example of Southern Gothic literature, a genre that uses grotesque and macabre elements to expose the dark and oppressive aspects of Southern culture and history. Faulkner uses a nonlinear and fragmented narrative structure to create a sense of mystery and suspense, and to reflect Emily’s distorted perception of reality. He also uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the contrast between the old and the new, the living and the dead, and the public and the private. The story is a powerful critique of the social norms and values that constrain and suffocate individuals, especially women, in the South.

A Rose for Emily: Themes

Themes in A Rose for Emily. One of the central themes in “A Rose for Emily” is the inevitability of change. The story takes place during a time of great social and cultural upheaval in the South, and Emily’s struggle to cling to the past ultimately leads to her downfall. Another important theme is the power of isolation and its destructive effects. Emily’s reclusive behavior and refusal to engage with the outside world ultimately lead to her alienation and loneliness. Finally, the theme of death and decay is a recurring motif throughout the story, reflecting the decay and decline of the old South.

Another key theme in “A Rose for Emily” is the conflict between tradition and progress. Emily’s father is shown to be a staunch traditionalist who refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone beneath their social standing. After his death, Emily clings to his beliefs and refuses to adapt to the changing world around her. This is most clearly seen in her refusal to have a mailbox installed and her rejection of the new city leaders when they try to collect taxes from her.

A Rose for Emily: Symbolism

What is the Symbolism of A Rose for Emily? The symbolism of “A Rose for Emily” is a topic that has been explored by many critics and readers. The title itself suggests a contrast between the beauty and fragility of a rose and the decay and death of Emily. Some possible interpretations of the symbols in the story are:

• The rose could represent Emily’s desire for love and romance, which she never fulfilled in her life. She kept a rose-colored room where she preserved the corpse of her lover, Homer Barron, as a twisted way of expressing her affection. The rose could also symbolize the pity and sympathy that the narrator and the townspeople felt for Emily, who was a victim of her father’s oppression and the changing times. The rose could also be seen as a tribute to Emily’s courage and independence, as she defied the social norms and expectations of her community.
• Emily’s house could symbolize Emily’s personality, history, and death. The house was once a grand and elegant mansion, reflecting Emily’s aristocratic heritage and pride. However, as time passed, the house became dilapidated and decayed, mirroring Emily’s isolation and mental deterioration. The house also served as a prison for Emily, who was trapped by her father’s authority and her own fear of change. The house also contained the secrets and mysteries of Emily’s life, such as the foul smell, the locked room, and the hidden corpse.
• Emily’s hair could symbolize Emily’s aging and transformation. The narrator describes how Emily’s hair changed from black to iron-gray to white, indicating the passage of time and the effects of grief and stress on her appearance. The hair also reveals Emily’s attachment to the past and her refusal to let go of her lover. The strand of hair found on the pillow next to Homer’s skeleton suggests that Emily slept with his corpse for years, as a way of preserving their relationship.
• Colonel Sartoris could symbolize the old values and traditions of the South, which Emily clung to and resisted. Colonel Sartoris was the mayor who exempted Emily from paying taxes, based on a fabricated story that her father had lent money to the town. He represented the paternalistic and chivalrous attitude of the Southern gentlemen, who protected and honored the Southern ladies. Emily invoked his name whenever she faced a challenge or a conflict from the new generation of town leaders, who tried to modernize and reform the town. Emily refused to acknowledge his death, just as she refused to accept the changes in her society.

A Rose for Emily: Moral Lesson

What is the Short Summary of A Rose for Emily? The moral of “A Rose for Emily” is a topic that has been explored by many critics and readers. The title itself suggests a contrast between the beauty and fragility of a rose and the decay and death of Emily. Some possible interpretations of the moral of the story are:

• The moral of the story is that we should not view the world through rose-colored glasses, but face the reality and the changes that come with it. The townspeople in the story were able to ignore Emily’s oddities and secrets because they viewed her through rose-colored glasses, as a symbol of the old South and its traditions. They did not confront her directly or try to help her, but rather let her live in her own delusions and isolation. They also failed to recognize the signs of her mental illness and her crime, which were revealed after her death.
• The moral of the story is that we should not hold onto the past, but move on with the present and the future. Emily in the story was trapped by her past, which was dominated by her father’s authority and her lover’s betrayal. She refused to accept the changes in her society and her own life, and clung to the memories and the objects that reminded her of her past. She denied her father’s death, kept his corpse in her house, and preserved the corpse of her lover, Homer, in a locked room. She also rejected the modernization and the taxation of the town, and lived in a decaying and outdated mansion.
• The moral of the story is that we should not let pride and fear control our lives, but rather seek happiness and love. Emily in the story was a proud and fearful woman, who valued her social status and her reputation more than her own well-being. She was afraid of losing her lover, Homer, who was not interested in marrying her, so she killed him and kept his body in her house. She was also afraid of being judged and pitied by the townspeople, so she isolated herself and avoided any contact with them. She did not find any happiness or love in her life, but only loneliness and misery.

A Rose for Emily: Characters

In this section, we will explore the various characters in “A Rose for Emily,” including Emily herself, her father, and the townspeople. We will also examine the setting of the story, which is a fictional town in the South.

Emily Grierson

Emily is the central character of the story, and her enigmatic behavior and tragic fate have captivated readers for generations. We will explore her character in depth, examining her relationship with her father, her reclusive behavior, and the mystery surrounding her rumored romance.

Emily’s Father

Emily’s father is described as a stern and controlling man who forbids Emily from dating or marrying. He is responsible for shaping Emily’s reclusive and isolated lifestyle.

Colonel Sartoris

Colonel Sartoris is a former mayor who offers Emily a lifeline by excusing her from paying taxes after her father’s death. He is a kind man who genuinely cares about Emily’s well-being.

Homer Barron

Homer Barron is Emily’s lover, a northern construction worker who comes to town to work on a project. He is described as a charming, outgoing man who is not interested in settling down and getting married.

Tobe

Tobe is Emily’s loyal servant who is tasked with doing her bidding. He is a quiet and subservient character who does not speak much throughout the story.

A Rose for Emily: Conclusion

What is the Conclusion of A Rose for Emily? The conclusion of the story is a shocking revelation that Emily has been keeping the body of her lover, Homer Barron, in her house for years. It is also revealed that she had poisoned him to keep him with her forever. The final scene of the story shows the townspeople discovering the body and the grisly truth about Emily’s secret.

FAQs

What is the Conflict in “A Rose for Emily”?

The primary conflict in the story is between Emily and the townspeople who are curious about her life and her family’s history. Emily also faces internal conflicts related to her mental health and her obsession with keeping Homer Barron with her forever.

What is the setting of A Rose for Emily?

The setting of A Rose for Emily is a fictional town called Jefferson, in the state of Mississippi, in the United States. The story spans from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, covering the period of the American Civil War and its aftermath. The town of Jefferson is based on the real town of Oxford, where the author William Faulkner lived for most of his life¹. The setting reflects the social and cultural changes that occurred in the South after the war, as well as the psychological and emotional effects of those changes on the characters, especially the protagonist Emily Grierson. The setting also creates a contrast between the old and the new, the past and the present, and the tradition and the modernity.

Who is Emily Grierson’s Father?

Emily’s father is Colonel Sartoris, a former mayor of Jefferson who had forgiven Emily’s father’s debt to the town. After Colonel Sartoris’s death, the new mayor tries to collect the debt from Emily, but she refuses to pay.

Was Emily Grierson Betrayed?

Emily was betrayed by her father, who had kept her isolated and sheltered from the world. She was also betrayed by Homer Barron, who had promised to marry her but ultimately left her.

What is the Role of Homer Barron in the Story?

Homer Barron is the man that Emily falls in love with and ultimately kills. He represents the changing world outside of Jefferson and is symbolic of the new industrial society that is taking over the South.

What is the Role of Tobe in the Story?

Tobe is Emily’s servant who is rumored to have helped her keep Homer Barron’s body hidden in the house. He represents the loyalty that Emily’s family commands and the lengths to which they will go to protect their reputation.

What is the Smell in “A Rose for Emily”?

The smell that emanates from Emily’s house is a powerful symbol throughout the story, the smell of decay is a recurring motif that symbolizes the deterioration of Emily’s mental state and her decaying relationship with the world around her. This smell is present even before her father’s death, as he is described as having a “tarnished gold” smell. After his death, the smell becomes more pungent, as Emily’s isolation and mental decline intensifies.

How the smell disappeared in “A Rose for Emely”?

In the story “A Rose for Emily,” the smell that emanated from Emily’s house disappeared after the townspeople spread lime around the perimeter of her property. This was done to combat the foul odor that had become increasingly strong as time passed. It is implied that the smell was caused by the decaying body of Homer Barron, who had been killed by Emily and was kept in a room upstairs in her house. The lime helped to mask the odor and preserve Emily’s secret for many years.

Why it is named “A Rose for Emily”?

The title “A Rose for Emily” is symbolic and has multiple meanings. The most commonly accepted interpretation is that the “rose” represents Emily’s life, which was once beautiful and vibrant but ultimately wilted away and died. The gesture of offering a rose can also be seen as an expression of sympathy and compassion, which the townspeople extend to Emily after the death of her father and, later, Homer Barron. Additionally, roses have been traditionally associated with love and passion, which is significant given the romantic relationships Emily has with both her father and Homer. Finally, the rose can also represent the secrecy and hidden truths in Emily’s life, which are gradually revealed as the story unfolds.

Who killed Emely in the short story of ” A Rose for Emily”?

In the short story “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner, it is revealed at the end that Emily herself is the one who killed Homer Barron. She poisoned him with arsenic and kept his body in her bed for years. It is suggested that her actions were motivated by a desire to keep Homer with her forever, as well as a desire for control and dominance.

What genre is the short story of ” A Rose for Emily”?

The short story “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner is considered to be a Southern Gothic story, which is a subgenre of Gothic literature. It combines elements of horror and romanticism and is known for its eerie atmosphere, disturbing themes, and use of symbolism.

What poison was ordered by Emily?

In the short story “A Rose for Emily,” the specific poison that Emily ordered is not mentioned. However, it is implied that she ordered arsenic, a common poison in that time period, as she was known to have purchased rat poison, which contained arsenic, from the local druggist.

What mental illness did Emely have?

In the short story “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner, it is not explicitly stated what specific mental illness Emily Grierson has. However, it is suggested throughout the story that she displays symptoms of psychosis and possibly schizophrenia, including delusions, isolation, and erratic behavior.

How old was Emely?

In the short story “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner, Emily is portrayed as an elderly woman. Her exact age is not specified in the story, but it can be inferred that she is past middle age, as she is described as “bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue” when she dies.

Ultimately, the story of “A Rose for Emily” is a complex and haunting exploration of the human psyche, filled with symbolism, ambiguity, and unforgettable characters. It is a story that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers of all ages, offering new insights and interpretations with each reading.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating story and its themes of love, betrayal, mental illness, and death, be sure to check out our other posts about “A Rose for Emily” on our website.