Analysis Of Emily Grierson's Descent Into Madness In A Rose For Emily

Descent into Madness

In the short story “A Rose for Emily” by acclaimed author William Faulkner, the reader witnesses Emily Grierson’s descent into insanity. The story takes place in the post-civil war south. At this time, the slaves had been freed, and the south was very resistant to this change. Perhaps this is an allegory for Miss Grierson’s character, as her refusal to change and accept death is a great theme in the story. “A Rose for Emily” greatly exhibits qualities of Southern Gothic literature in its use of literary elements such as setting and characterization, along with themes of isolation, madness, and death. To start, southern gothic characteristics in literature are not only portrayed in characters’ actions and motivations,

Before the effects of the post-civil war, Emily’s family were very well respected and even leaders in the community. The Grierson home had been very sought after and monumental in the community. As Miss Grierson’s sanity and legacy deteriorates, her home does too. Her once beautiful home had become what one may describe as unsettling. What once was white and lively, is now a shell of its former self. “…only Miss Emily 's house was left, lifting its stubborn and coquettish decay above the cotton wagons and the gasoline pumps-an eyesore among eyesores” (998). The smell is undeniable the most eerie part of her home. Neighbors complained of the smell often, but refused to confront her about it. The source of the smell was undoubtedly due to the rotting body she was keeping in her home.

Every moment in her life lead up to ascent to madness. There are many factors in the deterioration of Emily’s sanity, but it is important to note that none of this excuses her actions. Nature versus Nurture is a debate that still goes on today. Many believe that humans are predisposed to things like mental illness, and others believe the world around us shapes this. In Emily’s case, both can be argued. To start, mental illness seemed to be prevalent in the Grierson family and the townspeople make note of this. “People in our town, remembering how old lady Wyatt, her great-aunt, had gone completely crazy at last” (1000). It is also fair to assume that Emily’s father was mentally unwell as well. Not only did he isolate his daughter from the rest of the world, he truly believed they were better than others. His family had quite the legacy and were very, very, wealthy, presumably having a large role during the era of slavery, so his egomaniac tendencies are not shocking. It is fair to say that Mr. Grierson’s traits rubbed off on his daughter, as he was the only real human influence she had growing up. However, the Grierson family were not the only mad people in “A Rose for Emily”. While not as insane as Miss Emily, the townspeople seem to show fragments of an unwell mind. For example, everyone in the town knew this woman was beyond crazy. Townspeople are afraid to visit her, after the minister speaks to her he