Entry 75: Shadow of the Past

In Faulkner’s story, “A Rose for Emily,” what ways is Emily affected by the shadows of the past? Explain how Emily has been shaped by the culture and historical period in which she lives. Discuss her family’s sense of its position in society, and cite details from the story to support your ideas. Then think about the world you live in today. Do you think that a similar story could be set in today’s world? Are there social groups in Taiwan, the US or elsewhere that are stuck living in the past, or that still reap the benefits of a bygone time? If so, describe these groups. If not, explain why you think so.

• Emily's higher social status as well as her father were two of the biggest shadows that affected Emily in the past, and these two things were influenced by the culture and historical period of the time Emily's story occurred in. In Emily's time period, the people of the South looked down on the African Americans. They also believed that women should marry and not be able to do the things that men know how to do. Emily didn't marry because her father drove off suitors because he believed that Emily was too good for them (because of their higher social status). This caused Emily's strong desire to find love, which she couldn't, because she was too old (for that time period). This later on caused Emily to cling onto her father even though he died, and ultimately, the events thwarted and distorted her personality so much that she became a murderer. Similar stories may happen in the present day, in isolated places that have not been influenced by globalization, in places that have kept it's cultural traditions alive despite of cultural imperialism. The places are most likely very rigid in thought, which is very similar to how people in Emily's time period think, and this may result in a similar story plot.