Theme Of Identity In William Faulkner's A Rose For Emily

Notable Norwegian philosopher Lars Fr. H. Svendsen in A Philosophy of Boredom (2005) wrote that, “self-identity is inextricably bound up with the identity of the surroundings” (Svendsen 143). In this way, it can be reasoned that the complex dynamic of interconnected relationships surrounding the individual, in turn develops a perceived notion of ‘character’ that serves to negate true identity rather than reveal it. This concept is one that easily extends to William Faulkner’s short story, “A Rose for Emily” (2004). Within the text, the constructed description of the central protagonist, Miss Emily, as outlined through the narration of the townspeople, is that of “a slender figure in white” positioned in “tableau” (Faulkner 1350). In the same

Additionally, it is through this stereotype that the town perpetuates Miss Emily as someone with little control. The belief in Miss Emily’s passive personality, appears to be supported through the contrasting behavioral stereotype of “male-dominance” in her father. For instance, while alive, Mr. Grierson governed Miss Emily’s decisions, specifically that of who she would marry, so as to place her “in the background” and consequently, promote Miss Emily in a subservient role (Faulkner 1350). However, in the same way that a stereotype is an oversimplified, unrealistic image, the full depth and truth of Miss Emily’s identity is similarly reduced (OED 1). For instance, despite evidence that Miss Emily is not regimented to the female stereotype, as seen through observations of her hair like that of an “attractive man,” and the fact that she is Head of the Grierson house (a classically male role), while conversely, her male servant, Tobe, does the cooking and cleaning (a classically female position), the town continues to see her as “poor Emily,” someone weak and meant to pity (Faulkner 1352. 1350. 1351). It is not until the end of the text when the murder of Homer Baron is revealed, that the town becomes aware of Miss Emily’s true propensity to control and are forced to re-contextualize their understanding of her (Faulkner 1353). Likewise, by continuing to see Miss Emily through the impressions projected by her father, rather than the elements of contradiction provided, the town solidifies self-deception so as to be inadvertently