Emily Grierson: To Be or Not To Be a Lady
             William Faulkner presents a character, Emily Grierson in "A Rose for Emily," whose sanity may be questioned. Arguments are to be made Emily Grierson is of the uttermost intelligence. Emily uses her knowledge of the "lady" stereotype she is expected to uphold in her attempts in dodging the responsibilities placed upon her. She further implicates the stereotype into an alibi for the "perfect murder." A comparison between the definition of a "lady" and the behavior of Emily reveals Emily's true brilliance in attempting to hide her motives. Being perceived as a lady, Emily is exempt from many actions she is responsible for.
             The most common definition of a lady is "a well-mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior." (Dictionary.com) Emily Grierson is far from being well-mannered and considerate. Emily inconsiderately returns the tax notices she receives without any explanation to those concerned. When the Board of Aldermen arrive to hold a meeting discussing her payment of taxes, she ignorantly will not speak with them when their opinions and statements conflict with hers. She bids them farewell without hesitation. A proper lady would cringe at this scenario when Emily, a supposed "lady," reacts hastily to the confrontation. Her opposition to any discussion about her taxes reveals her narrow minded attitude. She further allocates herself the description as a "lady" when the men, lowering their social position, leave without any further questions and abide to her requests.
             An appalling smell escapes from the Grierson house for the town to endure. Because of the town's view of Emily being a "lady" of high honor, the town believes it to be disrespectful to confront her about her uncleanliness. Attempts are made by the town to diminish the smell...