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The Psychosis of Emily Grierson in William Faulkner8217s 8220A Rose for Emily8221

Through the use of third person point of view and elaborate, repetitive foreshadowing, William Faulkner describes how numerous elements contributed to Miss Emily’s deranged behavior in the short story, “A Rose for Emily.” Not only does Faulkner imply paternal oppression, but there is also a clear indication of insanity that is an inherent pattern in the Grierson family. The shocking conclusion of “A Rose for Emily” could be the result of a number of circumstances, but is most likely due to the years of isolation and the overbearing upbringing Emily experienced with her father.The first indication Faulkner gives the reader as to Miss Emily’s instability is towards the end of the first section which describes how several members of the Board of Alderman call upon Miss Emily in an effort to collect her taxes. Faulkner points out earlier in the same section that ten years ago in 1894, Colonel Sartoris, the Mayor of Jefferson at the time, remitted Miss Emily’s taxes following the death of her father. The board members are admitted to the Grierson home where, after listening to the reason for their visit, Miss Emily first suggests that they “. . .gain access to the city records and satisfy yourselves” (89). It is only moments later, after a brief exchange with these city authorities, that Miss Emily further advises them to “See Colonel Sartoris” (Faulkner 89). The narrator then adds that the colonel has been dead almost ten years, which is Faulkner’s first clue to readers that Miss Emily is perhaps a bit delusional or confused. The second section alludes to the odor of decaying flesh emanating from Miss Emily’s home. The townspeople explain the smell away as possibly “a snake or a rat that nigger of hers killed in the yard” (Faulkner 89). The true cause of the odor is revealed at the end of the story. However, section two also sheds insight into Miss...

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