Symbolism In A Rose For Emily

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The Symbolism in A Rose For Emily
Authors have always used symbolism as a way to represent the restrained qualities of the characters, places, and events in their stories. In William Faulkner’s short story “A Rose for Emily,” he uses symbolism to compare the Grierson house with Emily Grierson’s physical decline, her shift in social standing, and her unwillingness to accept change.
When compared, the Grierson house is used to symbolize Emily’s physical attributes. In its prime, the Grierson house is described as “white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies.” This description suggests that the house was built to impress the townspeople. Also, the wealthy women back then, Emily not withstanding, were dressed in noticeable style. This is because their appearance was seen as a direct hint on their husbands and/or fathers. This display of luxury was especially designed by men to give a sense of wealth to onlookers. Her father regarded Emily as property. Her importance to him was strongly showy, just as their luxurious home was. As the plot progresses, the reader is clearly made aware of the physical decline of both the house and Emily. Just as the house is described as “smelling of dust and disuse,” evidence of Emily’s own aging is given when her voice is similarly said to be “harsh, and rusty, as if from disuse.” Eventually, at the time of Emily’s death, the house is seen by the townspeople as “an eyesore among eyesores,” and Emily is regarded as “a fallen monument.” Both are empty and lifeless; neither is even remotely thought of as their former magnificence.
Just as their physical characteristics, Faulkner uses the Grierson house as a symbol for Emily’s change in social status. In the beef of the story, the house was described as “big,” “squarish,” and located on Jefferson’s “most selected street.” This...