A Rose for Emily -- Symbol of the Past
Rather than stating the true meaning of his works, William Faulkner generally uses symbolism to portray the depth of his tales. Throughout the story "A Rose For Emily," time is a continuous theme that is portrayed through symbols. The past, present, and future are represented by different people, places, and things. One of which such symbols, the main character herself, represents the essence of the past through her father, her house, and her lover. Historically, the Grierson name was one of the most respected names in Jefferson. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Grierson played various roles in the community to further the reputation of his name and to earn his family a great deal of honor. He also, however, had and air of superiority about him. His attitude toward women, as evident in the treatment of his daughter, reflects his old-fashioned ways and his inability, or his lack of desire, to move on into the future. Throughout Miss Emily's childhood, her father believed that "none of the young men were quite good enough for Miss Emily." Mr. Grierson did not allow his grown daughter, even at the age of thirty, to make her own decisions. Moreover, he did not feel it was her place to act on her own behalf. Miss Emily willingl
However, when Miss Emily finally was seen again, it was on the arm of one of these new people. Homer Barron, a Yankee, was the foreman of a construction company that entered Jefferson. The construction company, the "mules and machinery" they came with, and Homer himself symbolize the further encroachment of the present into Miss Emily's life of the past. even the "stubborn" Grierson house had been weathered and worn by the lapse of time. However, the times began to change and the town moved on toward the future. The houses were replaced by cotton gins and auto garages until only Miss Emily's house was left. These changes infer the gradual replacement of the past with the present industrialization. Also, the replacement of the distinguished communities represented the changing attitude of the people. Rather than accepting the aristocratic attitudes of the Old South, the working class began to step up and realize their own worth, encroaching on the power the "august names" once held in Jefferson. Miss Emily's house had become "an eyesore among eyesores" and was the last home standing. Because of this, she and her house stood as the last obstacle to the modernization that was taking place in Jefferson. The house was a visible reminder of Miss Emily's refusal to submit herself to the changing ways. Even the interior of the house was evidence of the lack of progression. "It smelled of dust and disuse." The leather of the furn
Some common words found in the essay are:
Miss Emily, Miss Emily's, Jefferson Throughout, Rose Emily, Barron Yankee, Emily Grierson, miss emily, William Faulkner, miss emily's, Historically Grierson, , miss emily's house, emily's house, homer barron, construction company, seen public, Homer Barron, father house, august names,
Approximate Word count = 980
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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