Introduction
A Rose for Emily is a story written by William Faulkner. The story is written in a non-chronological order because it revolves around the past and present. The whole story is based on the events of Emily’s life. A Rose for Emily written in the early 1900s by William Faulkner.
The brief summary of the plot
The story starts with the death of Emily, and throughout this opening scene, the people of Jefferson reflect on her life involving a series of flashbacks that shows their opinion about her. No longer a prominent member of the community with inherited wealth, she is then thrown into isolation after her father dies. She is the subject of much town gossip, particularly concerning her relationship with Homer Barron, a Northerner who works construction in and around Jefferson.
Even in their own sweet world, Emily’s clinging to the old days can only end tragically. Over the years, Emily becomes a sort of recluse, and her house starts to become run down. When Homer mysteriously disappears, the town is abuzz with theories about what happened but Emily continues to live in her own reality.
When she dies, the people of town go to her home, and in one locked room they find his decaying body; that is when everyone finds out what Emily has done.
Conclusion
Themes include isolation, tradition versus change and how a dogmatic social structure affects those stifled by it. In the end, Emily’s sad ending is symbolic the old south rotting away unwilling to adapt.