Changing Times:
An Interpretation of "A Rose for Emily"
The main theme in William Faulkner's short story "A Rose for Emily" represents "holding on the past." Emily Grierson held a view of the past as if it were a rose-tinted place where nothing would change. Her world was always part of the past, even when the modern times were about to enter into her life, she would retreat into the safety of what she knew, the past.
Living in the past is a concept people still believe daily. It is not a bad concept as long as the individual can accept and move on with the changes in the modern world. The acceptance of change is noted to include your home also. Emily Grierson's house was not modern inside or out.
"It was a big, squarish frame house that had once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies"(87).
Blei Emily Rose CRP
Film poster for The Exorcism of Emily Rose - Copyr...
English: Emily RoseThis house was considered "an eyesore among eyesores," set on what had been a premier street. This eyesore would help barricade and protect Emily from the hostile world and changing times.
The modern world can be a hectic time. New concepts, ideas and gadgets can intimidate an individual into complete solitude. Fears will take over because of the unknown or unwilling. As with Emily, she did not leave her house or allow visitors except her hired help. "The Negro man went in and out with the market basket, but the front door remained closed. Now and then we would see her at a window for a moment"(92). The safety of an individual's house is a great comfort to them when a fear of the outside world has developed. The past can comfort an individual and help them deal...
A little more thought
Some interesting ideas in the summary of the story. Most were general in thought and missed the mark.
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