Is Emily really a Rose?
By: Adrean Rogers & Iqra Khan
Date: April 17, 2006
Professor: Mrs. Mattox
Course: English 1102
Clayton State University
The short story that we decided to write about is “A Rose for Emily” by William
Faulkner. This story is a short fiction that has roots in the southern United States. It has
an appealing overtone of mystery that is told in a historical context. The plot, setting, and
analysis of the story’s title all play an important role in the development and theme of this
work of fiction. These three points made this story more interesting for both of us to
understand.
Firstly, the plot of the short story starts at Emily Grison funeral and merges into
her past life. The two factors, which we think that makes the plot of this short story, is
Emily not accepting the changes in the society and personal relationships dealing with a
companion.
Secondly, the setting takes place in a southern town of Jefferson during the late
1800's to early 1900's. We think that the town is important in this short story because it
takes on its own characterization alongside Emily. It is the main reasoning behind
Emily's attitude and actions. It gives the reader an easier understanding into why Emily
makes the decisions she does as the story unwinds. The town of Jefferson was deeply
indirectly involved in the life of Emily Grierson.
Thirdly, the analysis of the story’s title, “A Rose for Emily” in our opinion,
represents a flower, such as a rose, which is elegant, gentle, and beautiful like Emily.
However, that beauty diminishes as the days grow long, sad, and lonely which represents
Emily’s life. Therefore, the title “A Rose for Emily” which William Faulkner chose was
meaningful towards the story.
The three literacy devices that we think are important of making the short story
“A Rose for Emily” are plot, setting, and the analysis of the title. In addition, we choose
this short story because it was fascinating on how Emily’s life was full of sadness. At her
funeral, she had no truly loved ones to morn for her. This represented how lonely she was
in her life. The only comfort she had while she was alive was her dead fiancé whom she
had killed that laid beside her until her death.
Work Cited
Faulkner, William. “A Rose for Emily.” The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature.
Ed. Michael Meyer. 7th ed. Boston/St. Martin’s, 2006 (80-86)