A Rose For Emily- Analysis and Study Notes
...al life, which she indirectly blames on her father. à She is so dependant on him that she keeps his body so that he can still be a part of her life. - Repressed by the town and era à Turn of century à She is given a “role” by society à They try to put her into a category but are unable to à Old establishment versus new establishment à Old south stood back and allowed her to bask in her illusions, the new south tries to bring her into reality. Identity and Character Development - Elderly woman - A town mystery - Noblesse oblige- part of the old establishment, old money - Her illusion of reality is greatly distorted à Refuses to pay taxes and tells the mayor to go see Colonel Sartoris, who has been dead for ten years - Emily is motivated by her love, isolated in a decaying house, and refuses to recognize that time has passed - Proud, disdainful, and independent - Her father’s repression, Homer’s rejection, the town’s expectations, and her own dependence on what is familiar drives her to a madness where she is unable to acknowledge the passing of time. Symbolism - Miss Emily à Symbolized a remembrance of values and sins of the townspeople’s ancestors. à Considered a decadent and perverse relic of the south past - Colonel Sartoris, ...