Discussion of a Rose for Emily

A Rose for Emily

Respect, admiration, and fame from the general public can come at somewhat of a cost. The cost can be anything from a decrease in privacy to an actual effect on ones mental state. In this essay I will use the short story "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner to describe how general fame, no matter how large or small can be uplifting, but at the same time extremely destructive.

Emily is the most renowned lady in the town. Since she carries this type of status there is a strict reputation she must keep. As with today's celebrities, they not only represent themselves, but there town as well. Ms. Emily is no exception. Since she was closely "guarded" by her father, she was rarely seen outside of the house and could never find a spouse suitable enough to meet her father's standards. The unknown only fuels public curiosity.

When Emily's father died she reeled with the loss. She was devastated that the only relationship she had ever formed was suddenly torn from her. Not knowing what to do with her life now, Emily tried to keep him with her, even though he was dead. Eventually, the townsmen took her fathers body away. Having been somewhat imprisoned for thirty years of her life, she began to realize the freedoms now in front of her.

The next step Emily took was to find a lover, something she had been unable to do because of her father. She found love in a relationship with Homer Barron who was a general worker from the north. The townsmen knew Homer would leave Emily, but could not break her heart again by trying to tell her.

Homer finally attempted to leave her but Emily was not ready to lose another love in her life. By poisoning him and keeping his body in her bed, she could "hold on" to that relationship. When the townspeople found out about this, they didn't actually seem surprised didn't seem to look down on her about it. She was still admired and respected even in the murder of Homer and her death, as she was living.

In the entire story it seems Emily is unaware of her fame. Even so, her fame still had an impact on her life. She committed crimes in her life. She refused to pay her taxes and murdered a man. She was not however, punished for any of these acts. She didn't even receive a social thrashing for her actions.