Introduction to Literature: Creative Response on A Rose for Emily

This assignment is a student's creative response and reflection on William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily." The student analyzes the story's themes of change, death, and tradition, focusing on Emily Grierson's struggle to cope with loss and societal shifts. The response explores Emily's attempt...Read More

Running head: A ROSE FOR EMILY
A Rose for Emily
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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A ROSE FOR EMILY
Table of Contents
Creative Response......................................................................................................................2
Reflection...................................................................................................................................2
References..................................................................................................................................5

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A ROSE FOR EMILY
Creative Response
The message which has been conveyed within the story comprises of several themes
of change and death. Death emerges throughout the beginning to the end of the story where
the narrator starts with the description of the funeral of Emily Grierson which was attended
by most of the people of the people (Blythe, Hal p. 15). Emily herself decides of not
accepting the death fate when her father who was very domineering in nature passes away.
Emily Grierson on the other hand met the people at the door with a normal expression on her
face with no sign of grief and told other people that father did not pass away and was still
alive.
This particular scenario indicates towards Emily tried in defying her father’s death as
the corpse of her father was held by her. The corpse was treated by her in a manner such that
it was still alive and it also showcased her extent of fearfulness towards change (Dilworth,
Thomas, p. 12). Homer Barron was later killed by her just because she wanted to remain
ensured that he is not going anywhere leaving her.
She always tried to prevent the changes through several other means or through death
from taking place from her own town. She remained frightened all the time which is why she
avoided from putting of the numbers on the mail boxes. The story also showcases her
struggles in maintaining the traditions along with her attempts for forcing the town for
remaining at a fixed position.
Reflection
I understood that this story commences with the death of Emily Grierson who was an
old and lonely woman. I understood that the term rose is utilized for indicating towards the
absence of love in the life of Emily Grierson (Perry, Menakhem, p. 15). I understood that the

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A ROSE FOR EMILY
utilization of rose indicates towards the love which was never experienced by Emily
Grierson.
She was a Southern elderly woman whose funeral was attended every single person. I
found that her funeral became the obligation of her town she belonged to. I understood that a
locked-up and a lonely life was led by Emily Grierson. I found that Emily stays with her
father who teaches her how to love in his own manner. I also found that the pressurizing
nature of her father was the reason behind Emily Grierson not going outside of the house and
socializing as well. I found that her father died when she was thirty years old.
I came to know that Emily Grierson did not communicate much with the people of the
town. But on the other hand, several lessons of art was given by Emily Grierson to the
younger children of the town. I found that several art lessons were given by her to the
younger children inside her town when she was forty years old and was running out of money
(Scherting, Jack, p. 20). I also came to know that after the death of her father, the one and
only person who was known by her was Tobe. I found that Tobe was serving the role of her
butler who going in and around with a basket market.
I understood a long illness was suffered by Emily just after the death of her father. In
between this the entry of a construction worker named Homer Barron takes place who in
turns becomes a very popular figure in the town. I found that a chance of feeling love along
with receiving affection was offered by Homer Barron to Emily Grierson which Emily had
dreamt of over the years. Emily Grierson was taken by him for buggy rides on Sundays. I
understood that this presence of love and affection was indicated by rose.
I understood that this became a reason for Emily in shedding of her hope (Sullivan,
Ruth, p. 17). I found that the people of the town started thinking regarding the marriage of
Emily Grierson with Homer Barron. I understood that it appeared to them as if rose was

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finally found by Emily. I understood that Emily Grierson dreamt of fulfilling her rose dream
of marrying ultimately.
But on the other hand, I found that Homer disappeared when his construction work
was through leaving Emily without a rose once again. On the other hand, I also found that
Homer Barron returned after weeks but it was understood by Emily that he was not going to
stay. I found that once again rose was not received in the form of love and affection by
Emily. The feeling love and affection was still absent in the life of Emily which was not
achieved by her till her death which she dreamt of.

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References
Blythe, Hal. "Faulkner's a Rose for Emily." The Explicator 47.2 (1989): 49-50.
Dilworth, Thomas. "A romance to kill for: homicidal complicity in Faulkner's" A Rose for
Emily"." Studies in Short Fiction 36.3 (1999): 251.
Faulkner, William, John Carradine, and Anjelica Huston. A rose for Emily. Paderborn, De:
Verlag F. Schöningh, 1958.
Perry, Menakhem. "Literary dynamics: how the order of a text creates its meanings [with an
analysis of Faulkner's" A Rose for Emily"]." Poetics today 1.1/2 (1979): 35-361.
Scherting, Jack. "Emily Grierson's Oedipus Complex: Motif, Motive, and Meaning in
Faulkner's" A Rose for Emily"." Studies in Short Fiction 17.4 (1980): 397.
Sullivan, Ruth. "The Narrator in'A Rose for Emily'." Journal of Narrative Theory 1.3 (1971):
159.