The themes of A Rose for Emily

英语2104赵雪睿

In this short story, the author presents multiple themes.First,in traditional Austrian culture, roses are a symbol of love, admiration and adoration, and we can see the theme of love through the name of the novel.The novel also shows the theme of death and murder.At the end of the novel, when Emily dies, the decomposing body lying on the bed is found, and Emily chooses to murder her lover to keep her loved one, which also shows the Gothic style of the novel.At the same time, the novel can also show the clash of civilizations between the North and the South.

英语2104赵雪睿

Emily, as a representative of southern traditional culture, has always maintained the arrogance and glory of traditional aristocracy.Whether it was her head-to-head confrontation with the government or her disregard for people's lime throwing, it can be shown that she was deeply influenced by traditional aristocratic ideas.

英语2104赵雪睿

"Compassion and Forgiveness" is another major theme that we can find in almost any Faulkner story.At first,it might not be apparent in this case.We almost have to be told that these sentiments are behind "A Rose for Emily" before we can see them.The story can seem downright cruel,the characters wholly unsympathetic,and the plot gross.When we begin to see the magnitude of the tragedy,and its impact on multiple generations,we understand the story is a call for understanding.The story seems to argue that forgiveness,compassion,and understanding can only come by facing the facts of the past and the present,which are tangled up together in an tight knot.Faulkner is both mercilessly subtle,and painfully blunt in this story,but we can feel the spirit of compassion rushing through.