A symbol is a person, object, or event that suggests more that its literal meaning. In the story, "A Rose for Emily," the symbolism shows more about the character than is detailed by the author, William Faulkner (287-294). "A Rose for Emily" was published in 1930. A nameless narrator describes the life of a pathetic woman, Emily, who represents a figure from the past. To some readers this horror story is the most "gothic" that Faulkner ever wrote as a writer. But if horror is all he or she gets from the story, then that person is missing the meaning of the story. The inability to handle change is reflected in the control of Emily by her father, Emily and her home's appearance, and the use of color and her unhealthy relationship with Homer.
             First, there are several examples of how her father's control over her is so great. The townspeople picture Emily dressed in white standing behind her father and him in the foreground holding a horsewhip. The whip symbolizes his strictness and desire for Emily to be a perfect little girl. As Mr.West put it, "...She has been frustrated by her father, prevented from participating in the life of her contemporaries"(150). When her father dies she refuses to bury him saying he is not dead. This can also exhibit his control over her even after his death. Emily's killing Homer after he has decided to leave her also can also symbolize her father's control. Her father has influenced her so much that she feels it is wrong for Homer to desert her so she killed him in order for him to remain with her as if they were married. Emily's father control Emily so much whiles he was alive that he could leave her alone even after his death.
             Faulkner's uses Emily's appearance to symbolize innocence. Ms.Emily uses to white wear dresses, which symbolize innocence, but she begins wearing black clothes, much like a mourner's style of dress after Homer presum...