A Rose for Emily-An Interpretation of the Symbolism in William Faulkner's

Symbols convey special meanings to the reader throughout literary genres. William Faulkner, a regional writer, employs symbolism in a good amount of his works. Faulkner utilizes conventional symbols, allegories, and unconventional symbols. In his short story, " A Rose for Emily," Faulkner uses unconventional symbols. Symbols provide greater understanding of the setting, help define the aura of Miss Emily's character, and play a crucial role in revealing the story's theme.

Symbols equip the reader with ample understanding of the setting. Endearing characters unveil the true thought behind Faulkner's choice of setting. The central character Miss Emily Grierson, a true Southern Belle, brings the Old South back to life. Miss Emily, like the fallen South turns into, "a monument", " a tradition, a duty, and a care," upon the town. Once Miss Emily's father passes on and leaves her the last Grierson she wants more recognition, respect, and the legacy of a grand monument, " It was as if she [Emily] demanded more than ever the recognition of her dignity as the last Grierson; as if it had wanted that touch of earthiness to reaffirm her imperviousness"

Consequently Miss Emily, like a narrow-minded ostrich with her head in the sand, shuts out the present allowing time to go on without her. Symbolism helps the reader discern Miss Emily's aura. Stubborn in her ways of the Old South, Miss Emily refuses to modernize. Miss Emily and her home, once a real life Scarlet and Tara , stand alone among new technology. Resulting in Miss Emily and her home showing their age, " But garages and cotton gins had encroached and obliterated even the august names of that neighborhood; only Miss Emily's house was left, lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay above the cotton wagons and gasoline pumps…" (p. 26-7). Likewise Miss Emily, once strong and attractive, now stands decaying. Moreover, the town watches Miss Emily, an archaic yet enchanting woman fade to the past. Similar to the way the North may have seen the South. Miss Emily and her home represent a grandiose era that has fallen away, leaving them an amusement to visitors. A glance at true Southern heritage, that finds itself gone with the wind.3

ny came with niggers and mules and machinery, and a foreman named Homer Barron, a Yankee…" (p. 29). Perhaps symbolic of Sherman's March , Homer alters Miss Emily's concept of the past and moves on his way. Homer Barron represents the barren condition the South finds herself in after the Civil War. Miss Emily and the South reluctant to admit defeat hold on to the past.

foots: The North felt they were

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