A Rose for Emily: A Formalist Approach

Using a formalist approach to critiquing this story gave me a different way of reading “A Rose for Emily.”I
went into reading this piece with the decision already made that I would use a formalist approach. The
narration of “A Rose for Emily” is written in first person, or as a member of the community. Using
phrases such as, “we did not say she was crazy then” (86) made the story believable, as if it actually
happened, rather than a third person narrative most fiction stories use. The imagery Faulkner presents
in this story gives off a setting in the old south. Words such as “tradition,” (93) “generation” (93), and
“sort of hereditary obligation” (93) contribute to an old southern feel. Even though the story is written
as if it were told by a member of the community, the imagery is fitting since Faulkner himself is from
Mississippi during the Civil War (83).The old feel of the story is suitable, since “A Rose for Emily” begin
and ends with her death. The old-timey feel aids the reader in realizing that they are reading a story
which switches back and forth over the main characters life. The plot of “A Rose for Emily” jumps back
and forth in non-chronological order. This method of storytelling delivers an immense element of
surprise at the end of the story. The narration also ties into the element of surprise at the end of the
story. Since the story is read as if a member of society were writing it in present tense, there is very little
way the reader could predict the end of the story until further down. For example, in the story Emily
purchases poison and the members of the community were certain “she will kill herself” (88). Later,
Emily’s cousins report to the community “that she had bought a complete outfit of men’s clothing,
including a nightshirt” (88). However, if the events of the story were reversed in order, it would be
easier for the reader to conclude what actually happened – that Emily murdered Herbert with rat
poison. Part of using a formalist approach is deciding whether or not a story can be considered a piece
of art. In my opinion, I think that “A Rose for Emily” can be considered a piece of art. Faulkner won a
Nobel Peace Prize in literature, and I can certainly see why. The story was at first slightly confusing as far
as the plot goes, but as the story developed the plot became more apparent. Even if the plot were
understood from the beginning, Faulkner has a strong command of English, creating wonderful scenes
of imagery and I was able see everything that was being described in the story vividly.

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