The smell was caused by the rotting body of Homer Barron, Miss Emily's lover.
They are complaining about the smell coming from Miss Emily's house, which is in fact the decomposing body of Homer Baron.
A portrait of Miss Emily's father stands in front of the fireplace at her house in the story "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner.
Some examples of foreshadowing in "A Rose for Emily": The smell that develops sometime after Homer Barron disappears... The suspicious purchase of poison (arsenic) by Miss Emily. The way Miss Emily kept one of the rooms in her house locked up for 40 years... There are just a few hints that lead to the discovery of Homer's death. Hope this helps!
In "A Rose for Emily," it is mentioned that there is a portrait of Miss Emily's father that stands in front of the fireplace in her house. The portrait symbolizes the strong influence of her father on her life and her inability to move on from the past.
Approximately ten years pass between the event of the bad smell in Section II and the deputation visiting Miss Emily about her taxes in Section V of William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily."
Miss Emily's father isolated her from society and instilled in her a sense of entitlement and superiority, making it difficult for her to adapt to change or accept help from others. This upbringing led to her struggles with social interactions, relationships, and ultimately her inability to cope with loss and change, resulting in tragic consequences in her later life.
she was so happy that she pooped her pants!
After Miss Emily's death, her house was described as a decaying eyesore among a changing neighborhood. It was said to be unkept, with layers of dust and neglect visible on its exterior. Inside, the house was filled with memories and remnants of Miss Emily's reclusive life.
Because of the non-chronological storytelling of A Rose for Emily, a first-time reader is likely to miss the connection between the arsenic Emily purchased, the disappearance of Homer Barron, and the foul smell coming from her house.
In "A Rose for Emily," the foreshadowing is seen through mentions of Emily's father's controlling nature, the strong odor surrounding her house, and her purchase of arsenic. These elements hint at the dark secrets and events that will be revealed about Emily's character and her tragic fate.
Miss Emily denies that her father is dead and refuses to acknowledge the event. She tells the ladies that her father is not dead and asks them to leave. This behavior highlights Miss Emily's denial and refusal to accept the reality of her father's passing.
Judge Stevens suggests that Miss Emily may have experienced a traumatic event or loss in her past that caused her to become reclusive and unstable.