Symbolism in a Rose for Emily by William Faulkner
... Imbedded in William Faulkner’s story, “A Rose for Emily” are many uses of symbolism. Faulkner uses symbolism to compare Emily Griersons’ house over the years to Emily’s physical appearance and how her appearance deteriorates over time. Faulkner also uses symbolism to show how Emily’s social status changes as she gets older along with the Grierson house. The Grierson House is used to symbolize Emily Grierson’s physical appearance and its change over the years. When it belonged to her father, Emily Grierson’s house was magnificent. ... Emily in her prime was said to be a tradition or an obligation to the town since her father got the Colonel to dismiss their taxes. Emily was considered as property to her father, which was common in this day in the south. ... As time goes on in the story, Faulkner describes the decline in the physical appearance of both Emily and her house. After Emily’s death the house is said to be, “an eyesore among eyesores” (28).