The Psychological Criticism of Emily in William Faulkner’s "A Rose for Emily"

Psychological criticism offers a unique lens through which we can interpret literary works, authors, and the minds of readers. In this essay, we will delve into a psychological criticism of Emily Grierson, the central character in "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner.

The Complexity of Emily's Psyche

In "A Rose for Emily," Emily Grierson emerges as a character marked by profound psychological issues. At first glance, she appears to be a lonely old woman grappling with the weight of her father's death. However, a deeper exploration of her character reveals a complex psychological landscape.

The story unfolds through five distinct sections, each shifting the narrative perspective. This chronological arrangement of events, however, plays a deceptive role, altering readers' perceptions of Emily. It is only when the truth is unveiled that the horror of Emily's psychological turmoil becomes apparent.

Initial Depiction of Emily: Loneliness and Grief

Initially, Emily is portrayed as a sorrowful, solitary elderly woman who struggles to cope with her father's passing. The story opens with her funeral, drawing the community's attention to her reclusive life. For a decade, no one, apart from her manservant, had ventured into her home. As the narrative progresses, we witness Emily's struggles with loneliness, depression, and even hints of necrophilia. It becomes evident that Miss Emily's character is plagued by a multitude of mental issues, and she is often compared to another woman, Ms. Wyatt, known for her madness. This comparison underscores the presence of psychological disorders within the Grierson family.

The Escalation of Psychological Problems

The story further reveals Emily's psychological turmoil following her father's demise. She denies his death to the townspeople, allowing his body to remain in the house for three days until they threaten to involve the authorities. This event marks a turning point in Emily's mental state, causing her to become increasingly reclusive. Her isolation persists until she encounters Homer, a newcomer to the town. The townspeople express concerns about their impending marriage, which, as they speculate, never materializes. Homer mysteriously disappears, prompting Emily to purchase arsenic without disclosing its purpose. The story's climax unveils Homer's lifeless body in Emily's home, with her grey hair lying beside him. It is later revealed that Homer was gay and unlikely to marry, driving Emily to commit murder as a means of preserving his love eternally. This is evident in her behavior as she continues to sleep with his corpse, refusing to let him go.

The story's narrative perspective is marked by ambiguity, with the narrator never firmly adopting a specific stance. Written in the first-person plural, the story's narration creates uncertainty regarding the narrator's identity. The constant use of "we" suggests a collective community voice, yet distinctions are made between "we" and "they," hinting that this collective identity represents only a segment of the local society. The narrator might even be an individual associating themselves with the opinions and knowledge of a particular community subset, rather than the entire populace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Rose for Emily" is a compelling exploration of psychological complexity. Emily Grierson's character grapples with profound psychological issues triggered by her father's death and her subsequent experiences. The narrative structure, characterized by shifting perspectives and a deceptive chronology, adds layers of complexity to Emily's psychological portrait. Faulkner's narrative innovation and the story's chronological order challenge readers to reconsider their interpretations of Emily's character and actions through the lens of psychological criticism.

Bibliography

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4. Faulkner, William. “A Rose for Emily.” Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Ed. Robert DiYanni. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2008. 79-84. Print.