A rose for emily

            William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily,"" is an excellent example of society's willingness to overlook certain privileged individuals' actions, simply because of their social status. In the story, Ms. Emily Grierson is given special treatment simply because of who she is. Despite several negative actions she takes throughout the story, Emily, because she is a Grierson, seems to "do no wrong"" in the eyes of community. In retrospect, it is also this name that outcasts her from society. .
             Born a Greirson, Emily was raised to believe that she had certain privileges that other members of the community were not given. The town was raised to believe that they should protect Emily and her family name. Because of this, Emily is allowed to do certain things that simply would not be allowed for the rest of society to do.
             In one such instance, Emily believed that she was exempt from public taxation by an agreement between her ancestors and Colonel Sartoris. At one point, the Board of Aldermen approaches Emily about her refusal to pay taxes, but is shunned away, given only Colonel Sartoris' pledge as reason for her action. Such an act, if performed by any other member of the community, would not be overlooked, and would likely be followed by harsh punishment. Emily, however, is allowed to continue in her ways, simply because of her family name.
             Another occurrence in the story where Ms. Emily is excused from her actions occurs in the town pharmacy, when Emily requests arsenic with no real reason for having it. The druggist, feeling pressured by Emily's status, offers several alternatives for pest control. Emily shows no interest in the druggist recommendations. The druggist then informs Emily that law requires that he be given the intended use of the poison. At this, Emily stares him down callously, without reply. In the end, the druggist sells Emily the poison, even though she gives no intention for the drugs use, only because of her heritage.