A Worn Path Outsiders

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Not every character in a story gets to live a life where they are heroic, loved, and fully integrated into their community. Some characters choose to forge their own path, to carve out something unique, even if they do not receive the support or recognition they deserve. These characters, often positioned as outsiders within their own homes and societies, bring to light the complexities of human life and the intricacies of societal constructs. In exploring the theme of outsiders in William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily" and Eudora Welty's "A Worn Path," it becomes apparent that these characters exist on the edge of society due to various circumstances, embodying the struggles and triumphs of those who do not quite fit the mold. The concept of an outsider is …show more content…

In Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily," the protagonist, Emily Grierson, epitomizes the outsider figure through her reclusive nature and refusal to conform to societal expectations. Faulkner paints a vivid picture of Emily's outsider status when he writes, "Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town." This portrayal depicts Emily as a relic of the past, someone who does not quite fit into the evolving social fabric of her community. Her resistance to conforming and her secluded lifestyle further solidified her status as an outsider. Hans van Stralen delves into the intricate soul of Emily's character in his psychoanalytical interpretation, suggesting that her detachment from society may stem from a subconscious desire to maintain control and

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