Emily Grierson Chronology

When reading a Gothic story, the audience is meant to feel a pang of realization, followed by a chill of fear. William Faulkner, the author of “A Rose for Emily,” invites the audience to these ominous emotions through the abnormal chronology of the short story. He uses the initial benevolence of the protagonist, Emily Grierson, to enforce emotions of pity onto the reader, but gradually changes perspective through flashbacks and memories from the townspeople. William Faulkner had a specific intent for the chosen chronology of “A Rose for Emily.” Each part (1-5) is meant to portray a different characteristic of Emily Grierson throughout her lonesome life. The protagonist is described as “dear, inescapable, impervious, tranquil and perverse,” and victoriously proves all of them true. Miss Emily is “initially” (actually in part 2) described as “a slender figure in white,” with the characteristics of a pure, captivating angel that all the townsmen drooled over. After her father passed, Emily quickly

The form of a story gives it meaning, which any other form would change, and unless the student is able, in some degree, to apprehend the form, he or she will never apprehend anything else about the work….” Faulkner’s story directly connects to this quote as his choice of chronology in the short story is necessary in portraying his Gothic intent. The reader rides a roller coaster of emotions while reading the story, ranging from pity to disgust as the dark, hidden characteristic of the protagonist are revealed. Even though Miss Emily is introduced as a good, pure “angel,” she lives her life (through parts 1-5) and ends as an evil, perverted elder. The reader is truly tested by the unorganized chronology in order to understand William Faulkner’s Gothic intent in the short story “A Rose for