By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)
“A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner is a captivating short story that continues to captivate readers due to its distinctive narrative voice. Unlike other renowned Faulkner stories such as “Barn Burning” and “Dry September,” “A Rose for Emily” employs narration not just to convey a linear narrative, but to achieve a range of effects. Let’s take a deeper look at the fascinating aspects of the narrative in this iconic piece of literature.
The Unusual Narrator
The narrator of “A Rose for Emily” stands out for their use of the first-person plural pronoun “we” to refer to themselves. They are not a character within the story, but rather an intangible and enigmatic presence. This peculiar narrative technique adds to the charm of the story, perfectly complementing its Southern Gothic atmosphere and the elusive character of Miss Emily Grierson.
The narrator remains unnamed, fostering speculations as to their true identity and purpose. Are they an individual from the town observing Emily’s life, or do they represent the entire community, speaking as a unified voice? The answer to this question significantly influences our interpretation of the story. If the narrator symbolizes the collective viewpoint of the town, it suggests a unanimous perception of Emily and her life. Conversely, if the narrator is merely an individual attempting to speak for the community, we must approach their narrative with caution.
Unconventional Narrative Style
The narration in “A Rose for Emily” deviates from the traditional linear structure. The story begins and ends with the events surrounding Emily’s death, while the middle section delves into the significant incidents that shaped her life. Faulkner employs foreshadowing to hint at the story’s somber conclusion.
Throughout the story, Faulkner subtly scatters clues, skillfully weaving past and present. These chronologic jumps require an attentive reader to piece together the details and uncover the truth behind Emily’s actions, particularly her potential involvement in Homer Barron’s demise.
Faulkner’s narrative approach serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it builds intrigue and suspense around Emily and her mysterious past. Her relationship with her father, the puzzling disappearance of Homer Barron, and the crayon portrait all contribute to the gradual sense of mystery.
Secondly, Faulkner’s unconventional storytelling aligns with the central theme of the story. Emily exists as an object observed through the eyes of the townspeople. Her voice is absent, and she is always viewed from an external perspective. The narrator shapes their narrative around the town’s perception of Emily, focusing on specific moments of interaction or observation. It’s important to remember that Emily would have told her own story in a vastly different manner.
Lastly, the non-linear structure allows Faulkner to emphasize Emily’s death and then unveil her life layer by layer. As “A Rose for Emily” explores the decline of the Old South after the Civil War, it is significant that the monument to that era is already deceased when the narrative begins.
In conclusion, “A Rose for Emily” captivates readers with its unique narrative elements. The mysterious and undefined narrator, combined with Faulkner’s non-linear storytelling, adds depth and intrigue to the story. As readers, we become enveloped in the enigma of Emily Grierson’s life, piecing together fragments to decipher her character and the events that shaped her existence.
To learn more about storytelling techniques in various forms of literature, visit 5 WS, an authoritative resource covering the “5 Ws” of storytelling.
