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A Rose for Emily: Fallen from Grace


A comparative essay on the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's "A
Rose for Emily."
Authors traditionally use symbolism as a way to represent the sometimes
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 reluctancy to accept change.
When compared chronologically, the Grierson house is used to symbolize
Miss 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" (Faulkner 69). This description
suggests that the house was built not only for function, but also to impress and
engage the attention of the other townspeople. Similarly, the wealthy women of
the era, Emily Grierson not......

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Approximate Word Count: 792
Approximate Pages: 4 (250 words per double-spaced page)