preview

A Rose For Emily Character Analysis

Decent Essays

Emily Rose was the town’s nutcase. The town’s people always had some gossip to spread about her, but never knew the real Emily. She was a mysterious woman who only exposed herself to the few who were worthy, but was a hot commodity in the town. In “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner, the characters, plot and setting strengthen the eeriness yet comical short story. The character in the story are not deemed “normal.” Emily Rose exuded strange characteristics which were shown through her actions throughout the story. Emily was a lonely woman who did not want any company other than her servant. After her father and her sweetheart died, Emily became reclusive and spoke to no one, most likely caused by her father’s doing. It was believed she was lonely, “We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her, as people will.” Her father drove away all aspects of a social life for Emily which could be a contributor to the “strange” character she plays. Emily herself has stated abnormal things, like when she asked for the poison from the doctor, she simply stared at him until he would give her what she wanted. The action of silently staring is not considered a “normal” action, which only enforces the peculiar personality Emily holds. Emily Rose’s character aids in contributing to the eeriness of the plot, with her strange characteristics and actions throughout the story. Homer Barron

Get Access