A Rose for Emily

Uncovering the Use of Imagery and Symbolism

“A Rose for Emily”

“A Rose for Emily” presents various forms of imagery and symbolism in its body. The story is told by using symbols and foreshadowing in the setting. Usually symbolism is a way to present qualities of characters, events, and places. As explained by Mandell, “a symbol is a person, object, action, place, or event that, in addition to its literal meaning, suggests a more complex meaning or range of meanings” (Mandell 330). Imagery is another element that is frequently presented throughout the story. According to Mandell “imagery is language that evokes a physical sensation produced by on or more of the five senses --- sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell” (Mandell 899). Faulkner uses symbolism and imagery to compare Emily’s to accept change and transition from the past.

The house in the story starts off as the key symbol used throughout the story. The house is used to symbolize Emily’s physical attributes. During the beginning of the story the house is described to be beautifully decorated and a large size. The description suggests that the house was built to impress and not for function. Faulkner describes the house by proclaiming,

“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, set on what had once been our most

select streets” (Faulkner 102).

Members of the Grierson family were considered to be strong and powerful. Women such as Emily Grierson were comprised of some of the same elements. Her appearance was perceived as a direct reflection of her farther. Emily was regarded by her farther as property. Her significance to him was strongly ornamental, such as their home was. Later in the story the readers are made aware of the decline of both the house and Emily. Just as the house was described as smelling of dust, Emily is described as being harsh....