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A Rose for Emily


            
             In William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily," Miss Emily is Portrayed as a recluse from society who is set in her ways, "a sort of heredity obligation upon the town"(3). Faulkner uses several elements in the story to produce the character of Emily. Some of these elements may not be seen clearly, however, they are stated in the story. The reader is led to believe that Emily is heartless and sometimes a little demented, although feeling sorry for her at times. This picture is painted through her actions and words, through other characters actions and words, and through the narrator's direct comments about Emily.
             Emily's actions and words show she is set in her ways, often being bold and direct. When the men from the town come to collect her taxes, she is direct with them, "I have no taxes in Jefferson"(10). She states this many times, not allowing the men to speak. Finally showing them to the door as if to say she will not hear another word. When the town tries to place the metal numbers on her door for the free postal delivery "she refuses them"(50). When her father died "she told them her father was not dead"(27), denying the fact that he was dead. Three days go by till the doctors are finally able to persuade her until "she broke down"(27) that her father was dead. She finally accepts the fact, continuing through a normal grieving process, "after her fathers death she went out very little"(15). She does not accept change and prefers to stay in her old ways, ways that have always been and to her, ways that will always stay.
             The characters (townspeople) in the story show how Emily's father's strict ways influenced her behavior. Her father kept her isolated from society. "We remember all the young men her father had driven away."(28). If Emily's father had not driven all the men away, Emily may not have led such a sheltered life. However, the seclusion was not just the result of her father, Emily's pride is another major factor in her seclusion.


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