Tradition versus Change

A Rose for Emily Summary of Key Points

A Rose for Emily is a short story by American author William Faulkner, first published in 1930. It tells the story of Emily Grierson, a woman from the South who is both pitied and scorned by her townsfolk. The narrative explores themes of tradition versus change, social isolation, and the power of death over life. Through a non-linear timeline, the story reveals Emily’s tragic life, including her strict upbringing by a controlling father, her brief romantic relationship, and the dark secret she harbors within her home.