10 Captivating Quotes From 'A Rose For Emily' That Reveal The Dark Secrets Of The Past

Have you ever read A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner? If not, you're missing out on one of the most twisted, yet intriguing short stories ever written. And if you have, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. This story is filled with quotes that will make you laugh, gasp, and scratch your head all at the same time. So, let's take a deep dive into some of the most memorable quotes from this Southern Gothic masterpiece.

First up, we have one of the most iconic lines in the entire story: Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town. Now, I don't know about you, but if my mere existence was considered a hereditary obligation, I'd be pretty darn salty about it. But Miss Emily? She takes it all in stride.

Next, we have a line that perfectly encapsulates the theme of decay and deterioration that runs throughout the story: The men through a sort of respectful affection for a fallen monument, the women mostly out of curiosity to see the inside of her house, which no one save an old manservant--a combined gardener and cook--had seen in at least ten years. I mean, can you imagine being so mysterious and reclusive that people are willing to break into your home just to see what's inside?

One of my personal favorite lines comes from the section where Miss Emily starts seeing Homer Barron: We had long thought of them as a tableau, Miss Emily a slender figure in white in the background, her father a spraddled silhouette in the foreground, his back to her and clutching a horsewhip, the two of them framed by the back-flung front door. It's like something out of a twisted Norman Rockwell painting.

And let's not forget about the ending. I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it, but let's just say that the final line of the story is one that will stick with you for a long time: And that was the last we saw of Homer Barron. And of Miss Emily for some time. Chills, folks. Chills.

But perhaps the most famous quote from A Rose for Emily is this one: Poor Emily. This phrase is repeated several times throughout the story, and it perfectly captures the tragic nature of Miss Emily's life. She's a woman who has been dealt a pretty crappy hand, and she's doing the best she can with what she's got. It's a sentiment that's both heartbreaking and relatable.

Overall, A Rose for Emily is a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. The quotes I've highlighted here are just a small taste of the twisted, Southern Gothic goodness that Faulkner serves up in this tale. So, if you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a go. And if you have, well...maybe it's time to revisit this classic piece of literature. Just don't blame me if you wind up with nightmares.

Introduction

If you're looking for a good laugh, then look no further than the quotes from A Rose For Emily by William Faulkner. This classic Southern Gothic short story is full of dark humor and irony that will leave you chuckling long after you've finished reading it.

Miss Emily's Father

One of the most memorable characters in A Rose For Emily is Miss Emily's father, who is described as a spraddled silhouette in the doorway. He is a strict, overbearing man who never allowed his daughter to have any suitors. One of the funniest lines in the story comes when he tells a group of men who come to ask for Emily's hand in marriage, I have no daughter. She has become a spinster. You can almost hear the man's disdain for these would-be suitors dripping from his words.

The Stench of Death

As the story progresses, we learn that Miss Emily has been keeping the dead body of her former lover, Homer Barron, in her house for years. The stench of his decaying corpse becomes so overpowering that the townspeople have to sprinkle lime around her property to try and mask the smell. One of the more humorous lines in the story comes when the town aldermen decide to confront Emily about the smell. They say, Miss Emily, you must permit us to see your kitchen. It's a polite way of saying, We know you're hiding something in there, and we want to see it for ourselves.

The Vanishing Suitor

Homer Barron is one of the few suitors who manages to win Emily's heart. However, he is not interested in settling down and getting married. When he vanishes one day, the townspeople assume that he has left town for good. However, as it turns out, Emily has poisoned him and hidden his body in her house. The irony of this situation is not lost on Faulkner, who writes, They waited until Miss Emily was decently in the ground before they opened [Homer's] head. It's a darkly humorous way of saying that the town finally got to see what was inside Emily's head.

The Lonely Spinster

Miss Emily is a tragic figure in many ways. She is a lonely spinster who has been denied love and companionship by her overbearing father. However, there are also moments of humor in her story. One such moment comes when she tells the druggist that she needs arsenic to kill rats. When he asks her if she has a rat problem, she replies, I have no taxes in Jefferson. It's a witty response that shows Miss Emily's dry sense of humor.

The Resistant Mayor

When the townspeople try to convince Miss Emily to pay her taxes, she resists their efforts. She tells them that Colonel Sartoris, a former mayor, exempted her from paying taxes. The current mayor, however, is not so easily swayed. He tells her, Colonel Sartoris is dead… I have no taxes in Jefferson. It's a funny moment of bureaucratic resistance that highlights the absurdity of Emily's situation.

The Funeral Scene

The final scene of A Rose For Emily is both tragic and humorous. After Emily dies, the townspeople discover the corpse of Homer Barron in her house. They also find a strand of gray hair on a pillow next to his body. It's a chilling moment that suggests Emily has been sleeping next to his corpse for years. However, there is also a darkly comic element to this scene. The townspeople are so convinced that Emily and Homer were married that they refer to him as the late Homer Barron, a Yankee. It's a humorous reminder of the town's narrow-mindedness and prejudices.

Conclusion

A Rose For Emily is a masterful blend of tragedy and comedy. While the story is filled with dark themes and disturbing imagery, Faulkner also injects it with moments of humor and irony. From Miss Emily's dry wit to the town's bureaucratic resistance, there are plenty of lines in this story that will leave you smiling (even if it's a wry smile). So, the next time you're in the mood for a good laugh (and maybe a little bit of creepiness), pick up a copy of A Rose For Emily and settle in for a darkly humorous ride.

Quotes From A Rose For Emily

If you're ever in need of some dark humor and twisted lessons on life, look no further than A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner. This story is chock-full of memorable quotes that will make you laugh, cringe, and question humanity all at once.

Emily knows how to make a statement

Emily Grierson, the protagonist of the story, was not one to follow society's rules. She knew how to make a statement, and holding onto a dead man's body for years certainly did just that. If you're ever feeling like breaking away from the norm, take a page out of Emily's book and keep a corpse in your house. It's sure to turn heads!

When in doubt, murder your lover

Okay, we don't actually condone murder, but Emily seemed to think it was a viable solution to her problems. When her lover threatened to leave her, she decided to take matters into her own hands - literally. Lesson learned: communication is key in any relationship, even if it means facing the harsh truth.

Who needs friends when you have arsenic?

Emily had a unique way of dealing with pesky visitors - just poison them with arsenic! Sure, it may not be the most hospitable approach, but hey, it's effective. And who needs friends anyway when you have taxidermy animals to keep you company?

Never underestimate the power of denial

Emily was an expert at pretending that nothing was wrong with her life. Despite being ostracized by her community and keeping a rotting corpse in her home, she refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing. We may not all have a literal skeleton in our closet, but we can all learn a thing or two from Emily about the art of denial.

The art of being a recluse

Emily perfected the art of isolation long before social distancing became a thing. She knew how to keep people out of her life and her business, even if it meant going to extreme measures. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed by social interactions, take a cue from Emily and just lock yourself away for a while.

The perfect gift for your significant other: taxidermy

If you're struggling to find the perfect gift for your significant other, look no further than taxidermy! Emily clearly had a soft spot for stuffed animals, and who wouldn't want a dead animal to cuddle up with at night?

A lesson in boundary-setting

Emily knew how to keep unwanted guests out of her house - by any means necessary. From wielding a cane to poisoning her visitors, she was not one to mess with. If you're ever feeling like your personal space is being invaded, take a page out of Emily's book and establish some boundaries.

The importance of a good story

Emily was a master storyteller, spinning elaborate tales to keep people at bay and maintain her privacy. Whether it was her ill father or her out-of-town cousins, she always had a believable excuse ready. If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, remember that a good story can go a long way.

When you're out of options, just lock 'em up

When it came to dealing with anyone who got in her way, Emily had a simple solution - just lock them up! Whether it was her lover or the town officials, she was not afraid to take drastic measures. While we don't condone kidnapping, we can all learn a thing or two from Emily about standing up for ourselves.

The dangers of living in the past

Emily's refusal to move on from her past ultimately led to her downfall. She clung to her memories and her traditions, even as the world around her changed. While it's important to cherish our past experiences, we must also be willing to adapt and grow with the times.

So there you have it - ten valuable life lessons from A Rose for Emily. Whether you're looking to break away from societal norms or just need some tips on dealing with unwanted visitors, Emily has got you covered.

The Quirky Quotes of A Rose for Emily

Introduction

A Rose for Emily is a short story written by William Faulkner, published in 1930. It is a classic tale of Southern Gothic literature that tells the story of Emily Grierson, a woman from a prominent family, who lives in isolation and refuses to accept the changes happening around her. The story is filled with quirky quotes that offer an insight into Emily's character and the town's reaction to her eccentricities.

Emily's Point of View Quotes

1. I have no taxes in Jefferson. - This quote shows Emily's sense of entitlement and how she believes she is exempt from paying taxes like the rest of the townsfolk. 2. We did not say she was crazy then. We believed she had to do that. - This quote shows Emily's justification for her actions, even when they are considered strange or irrational by others. 3. Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town. - This quote highlights how Emily was seen as a burden by the town, something they had to take care of because of her family's history and reputation. 4. I want some poison. - This quote shows Emily's desperation and her willingness to do anything to keep the man she loves, even if it means resorting to murder. 5. She carried her head high enough--even when we believed that she was fallen. - This quote shows Emily's pride and how she refused to let anyone see her weaknesses or vulnerabilities, even when she was going through a difficult time.

The Town's Point of View Quotes

1. Only a man of Colonel Sartoris' generation and thought could have invented it, and only a woman could have believed it. - This quote shows how the town views Emily's relationship with Colonel Sartoris as scandalous and how they believe she was gullible for falling in love with him. 2. We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her, as people will. - This quote shows how the town sees Emily's relationship with Homer Barron as a way for her to hold onto her past and her family's legacy. 3. Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head. One of us lifted something from it, and leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair. - This quote shows the shock and horror that the town experiences when they discover the truth about Emily's actions. 4. Dammit, sir, Judge Stevens said, will you accuse a lady to her face of smelling bad? - This quote shows the town's hypocrisy and how they refuse to confront Emily about her strange behavior, even when it is obvious that something is wrong. 5. So the next night, after midnight, four men crossed Miss Emily's lawn and slunk about the house like burglars, sniffing along the base of the brickwork and at the cellar openings while one of them performed a regular sowing motion with his hand out of a sack slung from his shoulder. - This quote shows how the town takes matters into their own hands and tries to uncover the truth about Emily's actions, even if it means breaking the law.

Conclusion

A Rose for Emily is a fascinating story filled with quirky quotes that offer an insight into Emily's character and the town's reaction to her eccentricities. The story is a classic example of Southern Gothic literature and explores themes of isolation, tradition, and the human psyche. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and the complexities of the human condition.

Keywords:

• A Rose for Emily
• William Faulkner
• Southern Gothic literature
• Emily Grierson
• Isolation
• Tradition
• Human psyche

Goodbye, My Lovely Readers!

Well, folks, it's time to say goodbye. But before we part ways, let's take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable quotes from A Rose for Emily.

Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town. This quote perfectly captures the essence of Emily's place in the town's history. She was more than just a person; she was a symbol of the past and a reminder of what once was.

She carried her head high enough—even when we believed that she was fallen. It was as if she demanded more than ever the recognition of her dignity as the last Grierson. This quote speaks to Emily's pride and determination. Despite the rumors and gossip surrounding her, she refused to let anyone bring her down.

So the next day we all said, 'She will kill herself'; and we said it would be the best thing. This quote is a bit dark, but it highlights the townspeople's morbid fascination with Emily. They were obsessed with her and her life, even if it meant hoping for her demise.

Already we knew that there was one room in that region above stairs which no one had seen in forty years, and which would have to be forced. This quote foreshadows the shocking discovery at the end of the story. It also adds to the eerie atmosphere that permeates the entire narrative.

Then we noticed that in the second pillow was the indentation of a head. One of us lifted something from it, and leaning forward, that faint and invisible dust dry and acrid in the nostrils, we saw a long strand of iron-gray hair. This quote is arguably the most chilling in the entire story. It confirms the rumors that Emily had been sleeping with the corpse of her lover.

'We did find a man,' the Negro said. 'A gray-haired man. He was a Yankee—a big, dark, ready man, with a big voice and eyes lighter than his face. He'd been a foreman in the North, a day laborer in the South, and for thirty years a barber in the town.' This quote introduces us to Homer Barron, Emily's ill-fated lover. It also provides some insight into his background and personality.

The body had apparently once lain in the attitude of an embrace, but now the long sleep that outlasts love, that conquers even the grimace of love, had cuckolded him. This quote is both haunting and poetic. It shows how death can erase even the strongest emotions and leave nothing behind but a cold, lifeless shell.

Then we knew that this was to be expected too; as if that quality of her father which had thwarted her woman's life so many times had been too virulent and too furious to die. This quote explains why Emily became the way she did. Her father's overbearing nature and strict rules had left her emotionally stunted and unable to form healthy relationships.

So she vanquished them, horse and foot, just as she had vanquished their fathers thirty years before about the smell. This quote shows how Emily was able to control the town and bend it to her will. She was a force to be reckoned with, and no one dared to stand in her way.

And so she died. Fell ill in the house filled with dust and shadows, with only a doddering Negro man to wait on her. This final quote brings the story full circle. It shows how Emily's life ended in the same house where it began, with no one but her loyal servant to see her off.

And with that, my dear readers, we come to the end of our journey through A Rose for Emily. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it. Remember, if anyone ever offers to show you a room that hasn't been opened in forty years, just say no!

Until next time, keep reading and keep smiling!

People Also Ask About Quotes From A Rose For Emily

What are some of the most famous quotes from A Rose for Emily?

Well, darlin', let me tell ya, there are a few quotes that have stuck with folks over the years:

• Alive, Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care; a sort of hereditary obligation upon the town...
• We did not say she was crazy then. We believed she had to do that. We remembered all the young men her father had driven away, and we knew that with nothing left, she would have to cling to that which had robbed her, as people will.
• Dammit, sir, Judge Stevens said, will you accuse a lady to her face of smelling bad?

These quotes give us a glimpse into the themes of the story: tradition, duty, obligation, societal expectations, and, well, a lady's hygiene habits.

What is the significance of the title A Rose for Emily?

Oh, honey, that title has puzzled many a reader. Some folks think it's about a rose being a symbol of love, while others think it's a reference to the funeral flowers that are given in remembrance of the dead. Personally, I like to think it's a bit of both. Miss Emily is a tragic figure who is denied love, and the rose represents the love that she never got to experience.

What does the quote the past is never dead; it's not even past mean?

Now, that's a deep one. William Faulkner really knew how to pack a punch with his words. This quote means that the past is always present in our lives. We may try to forget it, but it's always there, lurking in the shadows. In the case of Miss Emily, her past haunts her until the day she dies.

What does the quote For a long while we just stood there, looking down at the profound and fleshless grin mean?

Oh, bless your heart, this quote is referring to the discovery of Homer Barron's corpse in Miss Emily's house. The profound and fleshless grin is the grimace on his dead face. It's a pretty gruesome image, but it serves to highlight the twisted nature of Miss Emily's actions.