Analysis of "A Rose for Emily"
In William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily," obsession plays a key role
in the developing personality of the protagonist, Emily Grierson. Because Emily was
never allowed to be independent and self-sufficient growing up, she goes to great lengths
to preserve companionship and deter her loneliness later on in life. Faulkner illustrates
Emily's desire for company by focusing on her obsessive and psychotic tendencies.
At the death of her father, Emily is thrown into a state of denial. She refuses to
release his body to be buried because, in her own mind, she believes that he is actually not
deceased. The day after her father's death, the ladies of the neighborhood come to the
Grierson home to console Emily. She, however, "[meets] them at the door, dressed as
usual and with no trace of grief on her face" (29). Emily's father has always been there
for her, even when she does not want him to be. Therefore, she can not accept the fact
that he is now gone and she is alone.
After recovering from her father's death, Emily still does not let go of him
completely. Even after his passing, she keeps a "crayon portrait" of him to watch over her
through the years. This portrait is referred to during significant events in the story. It is
present when the Board of Aldermen come to see Emily concerning her unpaid taxes. The
portrait is also present when Homer Barron first enters the Grierson home.
Another example of Emily's unhealthy obsession is observed in her relationship
with Homer Barron. Since he is the only boyfriend Emily has ever known, she falls for
him quickly and wishes for them to be married. Homer, on the other hand, feels
differently about the situation. Homer remarks that he "[is] not a marrying man" (30).
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