A Rose for Emily; Strong and Powerful Point of View

A Rose for Emily; Strong and Powerful Point of View

  • Submitted By: vane1020
  • Date Submitted: 10/30/2008 9:46 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 876
  • Page: 4
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A Rose for Emily

The narration of A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner is told from what appears to be the point of view of a single person. However, the use of "we" in the narration suggests that this person is possibly speaking on behalf of the entire town, which is in line with the cultural character of the American South. This story takes place in Faulkner's fictional city, Jefferson. Emily Grierson was not mentally stable, and what caused her fatal attraction was the setting around her. Emily Grierson manipulated by her father, accustom to the southern way of living, and all that caused her to age and her house to decay.
  Big parts of the setting are the members of the Grierson family, especially Emily, were also considered to be strong and powerful. Similarly, the wealthy women of the era, Emily Grierson not withstanding, were dressed in a conspicuous manner.  This, for the most part, is because their appearance was perceived as a direct reflection on their husbands and/or fathers.  This display of extravagance was egotistically designed by men to give an impression of wealth to onlookers.   The townspeople regarded them as regal.  Emily was regarded by her father as property.  Emily should be able to do as she pleases, but her dependence on her father does not allow her to have that freedom. Her father's over-protection is evident in this passage, "We remembered all the young men her father had driven away (31). Her father robs her from many of life's necessities. She misses out on having friends, being a normal "woman," and her ability to be happy. Emily is not able to live a normal life which she indirectly blames on her father. Emily is so used to having her father be there for her, she figures that by keeping his body he can still be part of her life. Her significance to him was strongly ornamental, just as their overly lavish home was.  And Emily, as the last living Grierson, came to symbolize her families, and possibly the entire...

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