A rose for Emily summary critique?

Answer 1

The town spinster who had ceased accepting visitors for ten years has died and a huge funeral is held. She had become a sort of town landmark whereas she wasn't taxed. When her father dies, she takes up with a sort of shady man, who is with a temporary work crew in town. Fearing she will be taken advantage of, her family swoop in. Shrewdly, he hides out until they leave, then comes back. Everyone assumes he and Emily will marry, but when no one sees him anymore, they assume he's left for good. Shortly after, she purchases arsenic and everyone begins to fear she is going to kill herself. She explains it is just for rats. Soon, a horrible smell permeates the town. Assuming it is the dead rats and not wanting to confront Emily, well meaning townspeople sprinkle lime to take away the stench. The years turn her hair to silver. After the funeral, townspeople go into the house and find that Emily's lover never left town and is lying rotting in her bed next to a pillow with a silver hair on it.

Answer 2

"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner is a complex and haunting story that explores themes of tradition, isolation, and decay. The narrative structure, which moves back and forth in time, allows Faulkner to create a sense of mystery and suspense around the character of Emily Grierson. The story raises questions about the destructive nature of clinging to the past and the consequences of denying change.