A Rose for Emily
In William Faulkner?s ?a Rose for Emily,? Faulkner immediately establishes a theme of time. Time is one of Faulkner?s key elements in allowing and making this story work. From the details of the town and how it has aged to very descriptive terms in describing Miss Emily, Faulkner establishes time as the focus of the story. In the opening sentence, he establishes the end of a time for the main character with the death of Miss Emily Grierson. Faulkner describes how the town people ?had not seen her in at least ten years. (414)? This is the beginning of Faulkner?s web of time. It is very specific and very telling of things that are to come. Before the end of section I, we see that there will be no rhyme or reason or timeline for this story- yet another faucet of Faulkner?s use of time. The story is being told from the town folk?s point of view. The narration is similar to that of a gossip session rather than that of a story. The reader can almost picture the town people whispering behind gloved hands as Miss Emily went about town. This point becomes
The story line follows no particular order of events. It is an eclectic ensemble of events in Miss Emily?s life. From the specifics about her failed engagement and inevitability of spinsterhood to Miss Emily?s attempt in keeping her dead boyfriend Homer upstairs, Faulkner uses Miss Emily?s age and image of time to illuminate Miss Emily?s isolation from the town, reality, and society. Faulkner uses very explicit words when describing Miss Emily?s furniture and surroundings. All of his choices conjure up images of age- ?leather was cracked,? ?tarnished gilt easel,? (415). Faulkner specifically details Miss Emily?s wearing of a watch (415). It is her constant reminder that time will not stand still. very important because it is as if the reader gets the story in bits and pieces, like gossip, as opposed to the entire story. When Miss Emily begins to date Homer, she becomes a prisoner of time. The townspeople intervene by writing her relatives because Miss Emily was dating a ?Yankee. (417)? This is relevant in the fact that the town holds
Some common words found in the essay are:
Miss Emily, Miss Emilys, Grierson Faulkner, Emily Faulkner, miss emily, Time Faulkners, miss emilys, miss emilys age, emilys age, town people, entire story, describing miss, town folks, emily faulkner,
Approximate Word count = 724
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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