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A Rose for Emily


It was as if she demanded more than ever the recognition of her dignity as the last Grierson;-(78) After analyzing the narrator's words, the reader begins to understand that she has convinced herself that she still belongs to this non-existent privileged class and is deserving of its concession. Miss Emily believes that she does not have to abide by the new laws and codes that govern the town because she "is the conscious aristocrat and is consciously better than other people- (Brooks and Warren 158). This is proven when she lets the new Board of Aldermen know that she does not have to pay taxes because of Colonel Sartoris's promise to her; a privilege that died along with him ten years before their visit to her home. Like many of the defeated upper class of the Deep South, "Miss Emily withdraws from the chronological time of reality into the timelessness of illusion- (Madden 1987). Again, her illusion of the past is still present in her home because she still has a Negro in servitude running all of her errands and waiting on her hand and foot. .
             Secondly, William Faulkner uses symbolic imagery to define and characterize Miss Emily Grierson. Faulkner uses symbolism to compare the Grierson house with Emily's life. This is emphasized throughout the story by the description of her decayed environment, which represents Miss Emily's growing physical deterioration her mental disintegration. Miss Emily's life, like her decaying surroundings, suffers from the lack of progression and inadequate love and care. The external characteristics of Miss Emily's house parallel her physical appearance to show the damage brought about by years of neglect. For example, the house is located in what was once a prominent neighborhood that has deteriorated. Originally white and decorated in "the heavenly lightsome style- of an earlier time, the house has become "an eyesore among eyesores- (Faulkner 75).


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