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A Rose For Emily Symbolism Essay

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William Faulkner stated that the short story entitled “A Rose for Emily” is an allegory. Given the tragedy Emily experienced, giving a woman a rose is meant to honor her. Although there is no physical rose in the story, however it represents various meaning and symbol to the story. First, the rose symbolizes love and affection that she longs for but cannot have, since she was not able to marry her suitors because of her father. Second, in the story Emily was described as beautiful young woman, it means that rose can also be a symbol for her beauty and youth. Finally, the rose's thorns can represent her suffering, death, and dark side as she uses beauty to conceal her traumatic experience. It would not be a story if there is no conflict. The …show more content…

Moreover, the man's toilet set is also a symbol in the story. Emily purchased Homer a toilet set as a symbol of her hope for her upcoming union with Homer Barron. Men's toilet sets were more than just toiletries; they were a status symbol that denoted aristocracy membership. In addition, the story's depiction of gray hair shows that the years have passed. Her graying hair represents her will to live her life freely despite social restrictions. Additionally, in the end of the story, a strand of gray hair was revealed on the other pillow. Thus, this strand of hair is significant because it reveals that Emily has been sleeping next to the Homer Barron’s corpse. Furthermore, it tells that she had been keeping the body in the room, after killing him. It also shows the main character’s the dark side in the …show more content…

The overall impact and context of the story are greatly influenced by its setting. Thus, the setting for the story “A Rose for Emily” could not have taken place anywhere else because it perfectly delivers its theme and purpose of the story. All of the characters were well written by the author. Although I find them interesting, I do not really find them likable, and I do not want them to meet in person. Emily is a tragic figure, she was stuck with her past, trapped by the society’s expectation about her, and she killed her fiancé because she want them to last “forever.” On the other hand, the townspeople very judgmental. They want to meddle things that are out of their business, and even some of them are prejudices. Overall, the story entitled “A Rose for Emily” is mind blowing to read. It was a nice experience to read this type of story. Definitely, I would recommend this story to a friend, with its plot, character, and story my friend will surely like this story. I think they would find this interesting because it is a unique literature piece. Furthermore, they would learn a lot, such as the tradition before and patriarchy or social system. Surely, this story will leave an impression to them, and A Rose for Emily will be a piece that they never

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