William Faulkner presented his reading audience with a troublesome question in "A Rose for Emily", is Miss Emily Grierson guilty or innocent in the death of her suitor Mr. Homer Barron? It is a known fact that Miss Emily's lifestyle was sheltered and controlled by her father. Miss Emily is thought to be somewhat "touched" in the head. There is plenty of speculation and gossip by the people of the town. Some members of the community feel enough concern to contact some of Miss Emily's family members. Town people voice complaints about the upkeep of Miss Emily's house when a foul odor comes from her property. Emily Grierson lives in the past were everything is just rosy. Murder, yes, Miss Emily Grierson is guilty of that; however, the circumstances surrounding her life should be taken into considering just how much of the blame should go to her.
             Miss Emily Grierson did not seem to have the mental capacity to grasp many aspects of her southern lifestyle. Contributing to this is the controlling and isolated manner in which her father had raised her. She is referred to as "a tradition, a duty, and a care" left to the town of Jefferson after her father's death(p.373) at the beginning of the story. Many examples of her altered mental status are throughout the story. Her refusal to accept the death of her father for three days before she allows removal of his body from the home and prepared for burial indicates she has some issues concerning and accepting being alone. Her denial that she owes property taxes and her inability to comprehend everyone has to pay
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