Faulkner's Rose
William Faulkner’s work has been a staple of American literature for decades. The Mississippi native is most famous for his novels, “The Sound and the Fury,” and “As I Lay Dying.” His short stories however were just as well written, and have drawn their own interpretations from literary critics and analysts for years. One story in particular, “A Rose for Emily,” chronicling the life, loves and death of an old Southern woman which seems to have so many hidden meanings, was by the author’s own account, simply a ghost story with little or no hidden agenda. As a reader though, and especially as writers we can learn so much from this short piece.
The story begins by telling us that Miss Emily, a tradition in this old southern town has passed away and the towns people are relieved because they no longer must be burdened with her. I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the point. The story goes on to tell us about her life. She lived in this old house that “had once been white...on what had once been our most select street.” She lived with her overbearing father who never let her date anyone because they weren’t good enough for his little girl, and upon his death she remained just as isolated from the world as she had been while he was alive. Except for one suitor who ended up leaving her when she was young, she had an event-less love life and no friends. She had one devoted servant, a black man who remained with her until her death. She never paid taxes because when her father died she was left with that responsibility and the Mayor took pity on her and decided not to make her pay any. Meanwhile, she was an independent and harsh woman who always got her way, no questions asked.
Despite her lack of friends and social involvement, her reclusiveness made her the talk of town and every move she made, because she seldom made any, were of note. One day, a dark, strong gentleman from the North (and we think this is important), comes into town to re-pave the sidewalks and lo and behold the town believes that maybe Miss Emily will hook up with this man, Homer Barron. Although we are told he prefers the company of men and is not a marrying man himself, somehow they do take a shine to each other and it seems as if there might be a wedding in the near future. Later, as his sidewalk construction is coming to an end, Miss Emily makes an
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