influence of traditional ways in A Rose for Emily

A detailed Summary of influence of traditional ways in A Rose for Emily

The story of "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, is written with the influence of traditional ways and attitudes of the old South with true insight. Faulkner, a writer brought up in the South, displays the upbringing and lifestyles of people in a town called Jefferson. The story reflects the life of Emily Grierson who too, is a southern woman. Her upbringing by a stern father leads to her slow journey through a secluded life to her death and shows how following the traditions of her father leads her to a life of pain. Faulkner's theme then is how clinging on to the past can harm you when all other surrounding aspects of life are changing.

To understand Faulkner's theme, one must understand the characters. As the female protagonist, Emily is an example of a bygone era. She is from an upper class where family name is venerated and is to be maintained at almost any cost. Faulkner emphasizes this many times by saying "She carried her head high enough... as if she demanded more than ever the recognition of her dignity as the last Grierson."(469) and "...and the high and mighty Griersons."(467) In the end of the story officials do not pursue her lover's disappearance for the exact reason that they do not force her to pa

Emily still clings to her father and his customs long after his death. She did not handle his death well as he was the only entity she had. For three days she denied that her father was dead and only after persuasions of doctors and ministers did she let the body be disposed of. "We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her..."(468) Emily had never rebelled against her father's wishes and now was left alone with no suitors and a vague understanding of the society which had changed so much around her. Her father left her with nothing but what used to be a important ornate house on a fashionable street, which is now an eyesore as the town has matured around the home. Her behavior towards the taxes and her "archaic" (466) letter written in "flowing calligraphy in faded ink"(466) begins to demonstrate how outdated she is. She tells the "next generation"(466) mayor and aldermen to speak to Colonel Sartoris while little does she know that he has been dead almost ten years. Also Miss Emily is harming herself when she "refused to let them (the newer generation) fasten the metal numbers above her door and attach a mailbox to it."(471) as she is not keeping up with the times. Faulkner makes many references to "members of the rising generation" (467) and the "newer generation" (471) which mak

Some common words found in the essay are:
Miss Emily, Emily Grierson, Miss Emily's, Homer Barron, William Faulkner, Colonel Sartoris, miss emily, Grierson Faulkner, , clinging past, father left, miss emily's, faulkner's theme, father leads, family name,

Approximate Word count = 944
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English