A Rose for Emily-An Interpretation of the Symbolism in William Faulkner's

Symbols convey special meanings to the reader throughout literary genres. William Faulkner, a regional writer, employs symbolism in a good amount of his works. Faulkner utilizes conventional symbols, allegories, and unconventional symbols. In his short story, " A Rose for Emily," Faulkner uses unconventional symbols. Symbols provide greater understanding of the setting, help define the aura of Miss Emily's character, and play a crucial role in revealing the story's theme.

Symbols equip the reader with ample understanding of the setting. Endearing characters unveil the true thought behind Faulkner's choice of setting. The central character Miss Emily Grierson, a true Southern Belle, brings the Old South back to life. Miss Emily, like the fallen South turns into, "a monument", " a tradition, a duty, and a care," upon the town. Once Miss Emily's father passes on and leaves her the last Grierson she wants more recognition, respect, and the legacy of a grand monument, " It was as if she [Emily] demanded more than ever the recognition of her dignity as the last Grierson; as if it had wanted that touch of earthiness to reaffirm her imperviousness"

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Miss Emily and her home represent a grandiose era that has fallen away, leaving them an amusement to visitors. In the manner one preserves a rose for beauty, Miss Emily preserves Homer for love. Symbolism helps the reader discern Miss Emily's aura. Insight into how symbols function in " A Rose for Emily," seems essential to comprehending the story. Resulting in Miss Emily and her home showing their age, " But garages and cotton gins had encroached and obliterated even the august names of that neighborhood; only Miss Emily's house was left, lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay above the cotton wagons and gasoline pumps…" (p. Stubborn in her ways of the Old South, Miss Emily refuses to modernize. Miss Emily and her home, once a real life Scarlet and Tara , stand alone among new technology. Homer, like the North to the South, comes to modernize the town, " The construction compa!

ny came with niggers and mules and machinery, and a foreman named Homer Barron, a Yankee…" (p. The story revolves around the Old South setting. It is a story of the Old South's trials before, during, and after the Civil War. 2

The terms are a direct reference to Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind. Grasping Faulkner's symbolism results in understanding "A Rose for Emily. Symbols play a pivotal role in discovering the theme.

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Approximate Word count = 984
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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