A Rose for Emily

Authors traditionally use symbolism as a way to represent the sometime intangible qualities of the characters, places, and events in their works. In his short story "A Rose for Emily," William Faulkner uses symbolism to compare the Grierson house with Emily Grierson's physical deterioration, her shift in social standing, and her reluctance to accept change. When compared chronologically, the Grierson house is used to symbolize Miss Emily's physical attributes. In its prime, the Grierson house …

…family's house are strongly related with one another. So, it should now be obvious to the analytical reader that the relationship between the Grierson house's and Miss Emily Grierson's, physical deterioration, shift in social standing, and reluctance to accept change, is too precise to be construed coincidental. It is precisely this open usage of symbolism, and expert utilization of foreshadowing that earned both William Faulkner and "A Rose for Emily" their places among the classics.