In 'A Rose for Emily' Miss Emily's purchase of arsenic is an example of Faulkner's use of?

Answer 1

Emily purchasing arsenic is an example of irony and foreshadowing.

It is ironic because the druggist writes on the outer wrapper the words "for rats." Emily purchased the arsenic intending to murder Homer Barron, because he was about to jilt her an leave town like a rat deserting a sinking ship.

It also foreshadows Homer's death. When she buys the arsenic the druggist says he needs to know the reason for the arsenic, but Emily just stares at him refusing to answer. The druggist relents and lets her take it. This refusal to answer portends that Emily has a use in mind that she cannot or will not tell the druggist. Murder fits that proposed use.

Answer 2

Foreshadowing, as it hints at a significant event in the story that will later be revealed when the townspeople discover Homer Barron's body in Miss Emily's house. Faulkner uses this detail to build suspense and intrigue around Miss Emily's character and the events in the narrative.