Symbolism In A Rose For Emily

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Recommended: Criticisms of A rose for Emily

Sofia Monroy
Mr. Wyse
English Honors 3, Period 2
7 May 2014
“A Rose for Emily”
The main literary element within the short story “A Rose for Emily” is symbolism. Symbolism appears in many ways in this short story. Examples of symbolism are Emily’s home, the rose, Emily’s hair, and Emily herself. (“Examples of Symbolism in the Story ‘A Rose for Emily’” Seattle Pi). Death is another important example of symbolism. (“Literary Criticism: ‘A Rose for Emily” Teenink).
Death causes Emily to become insane. After Emily’s father dies she keeps his body. Emily fears change. (“Literary Criticism: ‘A Rose for Emily” Teenink). She is afraid of losing the people that are close to her. Even though her father is spiritually gone she keeps his dead body. (“Literary Criticism: ‘A Rose for Emily” Teenink).
At the beginning of the story, Emily’s home is clean, vibrant, fresh, bright, and with white walls. At the beginning of the story, Emily herself is pure, clean and young. (“Examples of Symbolism in the Story ‘A Rose for Emily’” Seattle Pi). As the story goes on both Emily and her home become old. Her...

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