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Miss Emily Grierson in Faulkner's A Rose for Emily

Topics: William Faulkner, Marriage, Sartoris Pages: 2 (575 words) Published: November 10, 2011
The story “A Rose for Emily” is a short story by William Faulkner. The story is centered on Emily Grierson who just passed away. Miss. Emily was an isolated woman throughout most of her life, partly, because of her father’s incestuous relationship with her. Miss. Emily is a peculiar lone woman who acts in ways that causes the attention of many people. Emily Grierson is recognized particularly as an eccentric spinster in the town. She also has an obsessive relationship with a man named Homer Barron.

The resentment of the townspeople can be seen in Miss. Emily’s funeral. The men attend the funeral because of obligation and the women go primarily because no one had stepped in Emily’s house for years. When Emily’s father passed away, he left her no money. The mayor Colonel Sartoris remitted her taxes by inventing a story that her father had loaned the town money, to save her from the embarrassment of accepting charity. Despite not leaving Emily any money, Mr. Grierson is a controlling, looming presence even after his death, and the town can see his long lasting influence over Emily. This is especially made clear in her thirties when she has her first real relationship.

Homer Barron was Emily’s first real beau. She had never experienced a relationship because of her father’s insisting thoughts the no suitor was ever good enough for her. Her father was practically her emotional and financial supporter. So Homer Barron is particularly known for taking her out in a yellow wheeled buggy on Sundays, which makes Emily develop interest in him. Although Emily has interest in Homer, he has been seen drinking in the bar with other men, and has made clear that he is not a marrying man. These acts indicate that Homer is most likely interested in men rather than woman. Miss. Emily does not like the idea that Homer, the first man in her love life is not interested in her, so she buys arsenic for a specific purpose. Miss. Emily kills Homer Barron and keeps him in her house for...
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