A Rose For Emily

Emily Grierson is a stubborn lady who still believes very strongly in, what was

once, her family’s honor, wealth and status in society.  She refuses to believe that

time has passed and things have changed. When aldermen come to collect taxes, she

refuses to pay, insisting that her family does not pay taxes.  The reason being is

because back in the older days when her family was wealthy, they didn't.  When the

aldermen come about the smell, she refuses to open the door.  When people gossip and

whisper about Homer Barron, she refuses to stop seeing him.  When her father dies, she

refuses to give up the body for several days.  Through all of these examples, we see her

stubbornness.  I guess the reader can also say she lives in an alternate reality.  She

refused to admit that her father was dead.  She refused to admit that Homer Barron would

not be with her forever.  She refused to admit that her family honor was fading and that

she should pay taxes.  She refused to admit that her house smelled as a result of

Homer's body.  All of these things show that she had a rather demented idea of what was

real and what was not.