A Rose for Emily W. Faulkner - Book Report/Review Example

The word 'decay' reflects the story conflict and life of Miss Emily. It shapes the atmosphere of the short story and reflects changes in the appearance of Miss Emily. Its description is put at the very beginning of the story, so it is possible to say that Faulkner wants to underline the significance of 'house' for entire work and plot development attracting the attention of readers. It is not a fact that a 'house' reflects the inner self of its owner, so Faulkner foreshadows strange behavior and actions of the main character writing: "an eyesore among eyesores" (Faulkner).

Further readers know that the life of Miss Emily is gloomy and depressing. The narrator depicts Miss Emily "During the next few years it grew grayer and grayer until it attained an even pepper-and-salt iron-gray"(Faulkner). This description enlarges and expends the idea of 'decay' and 'eyesore'. Both quotes symbolize the plot structure based on a circle order. Like old people who confuse time, Faulkner describes events of Miss Emily's youth, her maturity and old years and then, again, describes her youth.

For Miss Emily, her past is "a huge meadow which no winter ever quite touches" (Faulkner). After her father's death, Miss Emily lives in an aging house full of losing hopes and despair. The theme of isolation is evident in both quotes because only single and isolated people confuse time and memories. The second quote reflects the inner physiological state of Miss Emily and bears a resemblance to her life. There is a similarity between the time and the character of Miss Emily. "Then we noticed that in the second pillow [and] a long strand of iron-gray hair" (Faulkner).

Miss Emily lives in the past when she was happy and loved by a young man. She understandably hides memories about her past, unpleasant events, and situations that changed her life. In sum, both quotes have a symbolic meaning shaping atmosphere and reflecting the plot structure. The first quote foreshadows plot structure and the second reminds readers that Miss Emily lives in the past unable to change her life. Everything is her family and personality does not fit into this traditional pattern of a common human.

It seems Miss Emily is comforted by the darkness around her and despair continues to attack her.