Point of View in "A Rose for Emily"
             William Faulkner uses dramatic point of view in "A Rose for Emily," which is an effective point of view. A dramatic point of view turns the reader into a jury, so that the reader is able to form an interpretation after given the right amount of evidence. The reader draws conclusions and fills in events omitted by the writer. In "A Rose for Emily" Faulkner adds a southern mood to the setting, events, and his characters. Not much of the characters thoughts and dialogues are told, however their backgrounds and actions are well detailed. The protagonist, Miss Emily, keeps to herself and is perceived as crazy by the rest of the town. Changing the point of view would change characterization, diction, and the order which this ghost-like story is written.
             Faulkner is able to introduce his characters in a very drawn out and detailed manner by using a dramatic point of view. The main character is presented in the third paragraph as "...a tradition, a duty, and a care; sort of hereditary obligation upon the town..." (Faulkner 245). The town saw Miss Emily as crazy just like her great-aunt who "...had gone completely crazy..." (Faulkner 247). She was also perceived as an eyesore to the town because she did not take care of her property or herself. This story would have had a different effect if it was told through the eyes of Tobe, her faithful servant. We might have gained some insightful knowledge otherwise untold. Tobe could have also been uneducated and therefore the diction could have gone from being formal to informal diction. Tobe grew old with Miss Emily and stayed by her side for years. He cared for Miss Emily when no one else would. By changing the point of view to Tobe, Faulkner might not have succeeded in his surprise like ending. Tobe would have know or suspected something was wrong and therefore the suspense would have been gone.
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