To what extent is Emily a victim of the social values imposed upon her and how does this impact the reader’s perception of her character? This question is important to discuss because it delves into the theme of societal expectations and their impact on individual autonomy and agency. In addition, it highlights the complexity of Emily’s character and the reader’s ability to understand and sympathize with her actions. The author, William Faulkner, commented that he pitied Emily, adding further depth to the discussion of her character and the societal pressures she faced. “In “A Rose for Emily,” the protagonist, Emily, is a complex character whose actions are shaped by the societal values of her time, specifically the expectations placed upon her as a Southern woman, the societal pressure to conform to societal norms, and the impact of these societal pressures on the reader’s perception of her character.”
One of the ways in which societal values shape Emily’s actions is through the expectations placed upon her as a Southern woman. In the story, Emily is expected to maintain traditional gender roles and is viewed as a “fallen monument” (Faulkner 1) by the townspeople. In the book, the author writes, “when Miss Emily Grierson died, our whole town went to her funeral: the men through a sort of respectful affection for a fallen monument, the women mostly out of curiosity to see the inside of her house, which no one saves an old man-servant” (Faulkner 1). This passage illustrates how the townspeople view Emily as a relic of a bygone era, no longer able to fulfill her expected role as a woman. Furthermore, the societal expectations placed upon Southern women during this time period were incredibly rigid and restrictive. They were expected to be docile, submissive, and obedient, with their primary role being to marry and raise a family. As an unmarried woman, Emily is seen as deviating from this societal norm and is therefore viewed as a failure by the townspeople. The societal expectations of Southern women also emphasized their appearance and reputation, with any deviation from these expectations being met with harsh judgment. Emily’s reclusive nature and her failure to conform to societal beauty standards further contribute to the townspeople’s perception of her as a “fallen monument.”
Emily’s actions are also shaped by the societal pressure to conform to societal norms. This is evident in the way she is treated by the townspeople, who view her as an outsider. The story states, “Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town” (Faulkner 2). This passage illustrates how the townspeople view Emily as a burden rather than an individual with agency. This societal pressure to conform to norms is further highlighted when Emily refuses to accept her father’s death and continues to live as if he were still alive. This is exemplified in the line, “We did not say she was crazy then. We believed she had to do that” (Faulkner 5). This illustrates how Emily’s actions, which would be considered unconventional, are accepted and even expected by the townspeople, who are aware of her father’s death but do not question her actions. This further emphasizes the theme of societal expectations and their impact on the individual. Emily’s refusal to accept her father’s death is a coping mechanism, a way to deal with the loss of the only person who loved her and understood her. This is an unconventional reaction, and the townspeople’s acceptance of her actions results from their societal pressure to conform and their lack of understanding of Emily’s true feelings. That further highlights Emily’s position as an outsider in society who cannot fully express her individuality and is shaped by societal norms.
Lastly, the societal pressure to conform and the expectation placed upon Emily as a woman shape the reader’s perception of her character. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Emily is a victim of societal expectations and is unable to express her individuality fully. Throughout the story, Emily is portrayed as a tragic figure whose actions are driven by societal expectations and her inability to break free from them. In the end, the reader is left with a sense of pity for Emily, much like William Faulkner himself. This is exemplified in the line, “Thus she passed from generation to generation—dear, inescapable, impervious, tranquil, and perverse” (Faulkner 7). This passage highlights how Emily’s actions, although at times perplexing, result from the societal pressures she faced, and the reader’s perception of her is sympathy. The reader’s perception of Emily is also shaped by her being a woman in a patriarchal society, where her autonomy and agency are limited. The reader is able to empathize with her struggles and understand that she is a product of her time and her environment. This further emphasizes the theme of societal expectations and their impact on the individual.
“A Rose for Emily,” by William Faulkner, is a story that explores the theme of societal expectations and their impact on individual autonomy and agency. Through the character of Emily, the reader is able to see how societal values shape one’s actions and how these societal pressures can lead to a loss of agency. In addition, the reader’s perception of Emily’s character is shaped by the societal pressures she faces, ultimately leading to a sense of pity for her. The story highlights human nature’s complexity and societal expectations’ impact on the individual.
