Through His Work, Faulkner Jolted His Readers Away
Through His Work Faulkner Jolted His Readers Making Them Aware Of Th
Through his work, Faulkner jolted his readers, making them aware of the harsh realities of racial segregation and racial exploitation in their so-called progressive society at the time, thought to be a model society for the entire world. What do you think is the meaning of William Faulkner’s story, “A Rose for Emily”? Use textual evidence from the story to support your response in 300 words no less. Make sure your document is in MLA format as well, double spaced.
Paper For Above instruction
William Faulkner's story “A Rose for Emily” is a profound commentary on the decline of the Old South and the entrenched attitudes of racial and social conservatism that persisted well into the 20th century. The narrative explores themes of resistance to change, racial segregation, and the tragic consequences of social isolation, encapsulating the decay of traditional Southern values. Through the character of Emily Grierson, Faulkner reveals how the oppressive social hierarchy and racial divisions influence individual lives and broader societal structures.
At the outset, Emily is presented as a symbol of the Old South’s aristocratic ideals, yet her inability to adapt signifies the death of those values. Her father’s refusal to accept her independence and her subsequent social seclusion underscore the controlling nature of racial and social hierarchy: “Her father’s death was the last to go” (Faulkner). This statement highlights her deep attachment to the old societal order, which ultimately traps her in denial and loneliness.
Furthermore, the story subtly reveals the racial tensions that underpin Southern society. The mention of the “Negro” servants and the racial segregation laws reflect the rigid social stratification of the period. Faulkner’s depiction of Emily’s forbidden relationship with Homer Barron, a Northern outsider, symbolizes the refusal of the town to confront change or racial integration, emphasizing racial exclusion as a defining feature of the social fabric.
The climax of the story, where Emily is discovered to have been living with her dead lover’s corpse, symbolizes the destructive nature of repression and the inability to face reality. This macabre ending signifies the fall of the old, racist social order that Emily’s character represents. In conclusion, Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” serves as a critique of the South’s resistant stance to change and racial progress, highlighting the tragic consequences of societal neglect and racial prejudice.
References
Faulkner, William. “A Rose for Emily.” Collected Stories of William Faulkner, Vintage International, 1995, pp. 139-152.