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Symbolism

“A Rose for Emily,” by William Faulkner uses a lot of symbolism throughout the story. The symbolic element I chose to write about was the use of symbolism of the physical deterioration of the Grierson house to the physical deterioration of Miss Emily Grierson. In the beginning the house was built to impress the townspeople. The house was built on one of the most select streets in town. It was described as a “big, squarish frame house that had once been white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies.” The Grierson’s were wealthy people and Miss Emily had been looked upon as a monument to others. They were strong and powerful people. As the story progresses, we learn of the deterioration of the home as well as the aging of Miss Emily. The home is described as smelling of “dust and disuse” and when Miss Emily speaks, her voice sounds “dry and cold.” This is symbolism of both the aging of the home and of Miss Emily. When Miss Emily passed away, she had been regarded as a “fallen monument.” This would indicate that both the home and Miss Emily were empty and lifeless. I believe the symbol described here is literary. Miss Emily and the Grierson home are symbolic to the aging of the home and the aging of Miss Emily. The meanings outside the story would not be the same.