Analysis of a Rose for Emily

Analysis of A Rose for Emily

Miss Emily represents the “old south.” She is stubborn and she refuses to accept that the world is changing around her. The people of the town often gossip about Miss Emily. The use of symbolism and foreshadowing is a major component of the story.

Miss Emily represents the “old south.” She lives in her father’s house with her Negro servant Tobe. She has lived in the town and has been a member of the community for as long as anyone can remember. The people of the town feel that “Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town.” (3) Miss Emily is stubborn and refuses to accept that the world around her has changed. An example of her stubbornness is the refusal to pay her taxes. Miss Emily states,” I have no taxes in Jefferson. Colonel Sartoris explained it to me.” (8) Another example of Miss Emily’s refusal to change to society around her is “when the town got free postal delivery, Miss Emily alone refused to let them